Plan to ease flooding in Kahuku under way

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAHUKU — Flood control has taken a step forward with the groundbreaking of a project to build new bridge and drainage culvert at Ohia Stream in Kahuku.

The $7.2 million project is part of a broader plan involving the community, state, federal agencies and a private foundation to mitigate flooding in the community after a 1991 storm inundated streets, swamped schools and playgrounds and damaged hundreds of homes.

It includes replacing Kii Bridge and building an 85-foot drainage culvert crossing Kamehameha Highway near Kahuku Hospital. The groundbreaking ceremony was last week.

The new project will allow for a free flow of water through drainage channels, said Ralph Makaiau, Kahuku resident and an expert on flooding.

The broader plan calls for the purchase of 800 acres of land from The Estate of James Campbell to expand the bird sanctuary at The James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge. Water will be diverted to the refuge, which will be enhanced to accept the added flow.

"Public safety has always been one of my top priorities and I'm glad this project will finally bring flood mitigations relief to Kahuku families," said U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, who became involved with the project three years ago after the community had been struggling for a decade to find a solution.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com. or 234-5266.