NORTH KOHALA, HAWAI?I - Improvements are scheduled to begin on ?Upolu Well, a much-anticipated agricultural water resource project on Hawai‘i Island.

The scope of work consists of installing a pump and piping for the existing ?Upolu Well, constructing a new water storage tank, installing watermains, constructing an access road and installing perimeter fencing.

Agriculture users in the North Kohala area have not had a reliable and economical water source since the Kohala Ditch system was damaged in April 2021.

“Improvements to the ?Upolu Well to meet agricultural production standards are critical in ensuring the North Kohala region has a viable agricultural water source,” said Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye, whose support in the Hawai?i State Legislature was critical to funding the project. “Due to the loss of the ditch water in 2021, many agricultural users had to switch their water source to domestic water from the county’s water system which is much more expensive and cost prohibitive for their continued operations. Creating a new, affordable agricultural water source is the spark of hope the North Kohala agriculture community needs to reinvigorate the Big Island’s agricultural industry.”

The ?Upolu Well Development improvements will help provide agriculture water for the adjacent area and is the first step to preserving agriculture production in North Kohala.

“I started this project back in 2016 and after a long wait of eight years, I am very pleased it is finally being completed,” said Inouye. “I would also like to thank the DLNR Engineering Division under the guidance of Carty Chang for the many hours dedicated to complete this project, which will be managed by the Department of Agriculture.”

Grading work is anticipated to start in September 2024, pending approval of permits.

Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd. is the contractor on the project. The $5,754,610 project is expected to last a year.