Hawaiʻi County Downgrades South Kohala Water Restriction and Requests 10% Reduction

Residents and businesses in Kawaihae, Kawaihae Harbor, Hapuna Beach Resort, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Puakō, Mauna Lani Resort and broader South Kohala are under a voluntary water conservation notice asking for at least a 10% reduction in usage. The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply downgraded a previously issued water restriction notice to this conservation notice on Jan. 21, 2026, signaling a shift from mandatory measures to a request for voluntary cutbacks.

The change affects both kamaʻāina households and commercial accounts that rely on County-managed potable water. Hotels and resort properties that draw on the same water system as local homes share the same request to conserve, so routine landscape irrigation, nonessential vehicle washing, and other discretionary uses are among the areas where reductions will have the greatest effect. The Department of Water Supply reminded customers to conserve drinking water and to avoid waste as supply conditions continue to be monitored.

Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply issued the notice to customers in South Kohala and Lālāmilo, reflecting operational and system conditions that prompted an earlier restriction. While the downgrade to a conservation notice indicates an easing of the immediate pressure that led to the restriction, the Department continues to manage water system operations and monitor demand. Customers should remain mindful that localized outages or operational incidents can still occur and that conservation helps reduce strain on pipelines, pumps and treatment facilities.

For customers with questions or to report emergencies, contact the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply directly. Customers are encouraged to report leaks, low pressure, or other concerns so crews can respond promptly and limit water loss. In the meantime, practical steps that reduce indoor and outdoor use by at least 10% will help stabilize supply for households, businesses and community services across South Kohala.

This update matters locally because South Kohala includes both residential neighborhoods and high-profile visitor destinations whose water use can shift daily with weather and tourism seasons. The conservation notice asks residents and operators to exercise kuleana for shared resources, helping prevent a return to mandatory restrictions. Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply will continue to assess system conditions and inform customers if additional measures become necessary.