Posted on: Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Hamakua Ditch project first phase dedicated

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — State and county officials joined U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye in a dedication yesterday of the first phase of improvements to the Lower Hamakua Ditch.

After Hamakua Sugar Co. closed in 1993, the state took over the ditch system with plans to repair it to supply water for diversified agriculture.

The 25-mile ditch includes 10 miles of tunnel and 15 miles of open ditch, and was completed in 1910 to supply water for sugar-cane cultivation.

The first phase of improvement project includes construction of a 1-million-gallon reservoir at Honoka'a, reconstruction of a 10-million-gallon reservoir in Pa'auilo, strengthening and renovations of flumes at seven locations, and construction of a distribution system for Pa'auilo.

The improvements included the $3 million effort to repair 250 feet of water tunnel behind the Waipi'o Valley wall. That work was completed last year and allowed for restoration of Hakalaoa Falls.

Hakalaoa, one of the famous twin falls in the valley, was diverted to allow Hamakua Sugar to make repairs to a tunnel that collapsed in 1989. The company filed for bankruptcy without ever making the repairs.

Repairs to the ditch are eventually expected to cost $15 million to $17 million, with the cost divided between the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. So far the state Legislature has appropriated $10.6 million for the project, according to a state Department of Agriculture spokesperson.