(BIVN) – Various government agencies are providing updates on the ongoing recovery effort following the destructive impacts of Hurricane Lala on Hawaiʻi island in August.
The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply (DWS) on Tuesday afternoon shared this information about the status of water service for the towns of Nā‘ālehu, Wai‘ōhinu, Discovery Harbor, Mark Twain Subdivision, Green Sands Subdivision, and South Point Road in Kaʻū:
DWS continues its assessment and recovery efforts to restore reliable water service to mauka Wai‘ōhinu and South Point Road. As access to hurricane-damaged areas has become possible, crews have been able to further assess the extent of damage to critical water system infrastructure.
Hurricane-related flooding caused significant breaks in transmission and distribution waterlines from Mountain House Tunnel and along Hāʻao Springs Road. These waterlines are critical to moving source water to storage tanks and customers throughout the system.
Flooding also caused significant damage to access routes leading to portions of the affected water system. Restoring safe vehicle access is necessary before crews can transport the equipment and materials needed to complete repairs. Due to the extent of the damage and access challenges, a repair timeframe has not yet been determined.
DWS is continuing to assess the resources, equipment, and assistance needed to complete repairs as safely and quickly as possible and will provide additional information as recovery plans and timelines are established.
In the meantime, the system is relying on the Nā‘ālehu Well and Hāʻao Springs to provide available water supply. Until the Mountain House Tunnel waterlines are repaired and additional source water can reach the system’s storage tanks, customers may experience unannounced water service interruptions.
Customers from South Point Road to Nā‘ālehu are asked to use water for essential needs only and avoid unnecessary water use. Conserving the available supply will help DWS maintain service for as many customers as possible while recovery work continues.
The precautionary boil water notice remains in effect until further notice for Nā‘ālehu, Wai‘ōhinu, Discovery Harbor, Mark Twain Subdivision, Green Sands Subdivision, and South Point Road.
Potable water is available from tankers across from Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware and at the Discovery Harbor Clubhouse. Please take only what you need for essential uses.
The water department said it “recognizes the significant impact these prolonged disruptions are having on the community. Crews remain actively engaged in assessment, repair, and recovery efforts, and DWS will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available. We appreciate the community’s patience, conservation, and cooperation as this work continues.”
The water department also noted that Punaluʻu residents may obtain water from spigots on the fire hydrant fronting Kaʻū Hospital in Pāhala. Ranchers may use the 2-inch connection on the fire hydrant fronting Kaʻū Hospital to fill water tankers.
Also on Tuesday, it was announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a federal program providing assistance for producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions.
The USDA Farm Service Agency in Hawaiʻi County is accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages that occurred due to Hurricane Lala from August 13, 2026 through August 16, 2026. ECP signup begins on September 1, 2026, and ends on October 30, 2026, officials say.
Approved ECP practices include:
- Removing debris from farmland
- Grading, shaping and releveling
- Replacing or repairing permanent fence
- Restoring conservation structures
- Emergency soil erosion measures
Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the allowable cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event, the USDA says. Advance payments for up to 25% of the total allowable cost for all ECP practices can be provided before the restoration is carried out. The advance payment must be spent within 60 days.
Applicants would need to check with the Farm Service Agency before working to repair dams, ponds, irrigation field ditches, lined waterways or underground outlets.
To learn more about ECP, producers can contact the Hawaii County FSA Office at 808-933-8334 or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.
On Monday, the County of Hawai‘i issued a reminder to residents that assistance is available for vehicle disposal in the wake of Hurricane Lala.
The Department of Environmental Management’s Vehicle Disposal Assistance Program allows eligible Big Island residents to dispose of up to two qualifying vehicles per fiscal year. “The program is free of charge, subject to available funding, and covers towing and scrap metal recycling,” the County stated. “The program is for residential assistance. Businesses, commercial properties, and vehicles registered to a business or company do not qualify.”
For an application or assistance, contact Environmental Management’s Derelict/Abandoned Vehicle Section at (808) 961-8552 or VDAP@hawaiicounty.gov.
