County Blesses $3.1M Hanalei Water Line Project, Replacing Century-Old Mains

The water line running beneath Weke Road in Hanalei has been in the ground for more than a century. On Monday, March 16, Kauaʻi County's Department of Water and contractor Koga Engineering & Construction Inc. marked the end of that era with a ceremonial blessing and dirt-turning, launching a $3.1 million project to replace it.

"The water line that currently serves Weke Road is over 100 years old," said Joe Tait, DOW's Manager and Chief Engineer. "I am pleased that we are finally able to upgrade it in order to better serve our customers in the area."

The blessing, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mark Poppen and conducted with traditional ʻōʻō sticks, drew Board of Water Supply Chair Tom Shigemoto, Project Manager Garret Ichimura, and Kauaʻi County Council Chairman Mel Rapozo, among other officials.

The scope of the upgrade is substantial. Crews will replace approximately 3,000 feet of water lines along Weke Road, upsizing pipes from their current 2 to 2.5-inch diameters to 8-inch and 12-inch mains. Officials said the expansion will significantly enhance water flow, with particular benefit to fire suppression capacity in the area. New fire hydrants will be installed alongside the pipeline work, and service connections to residents will be improved.

The construction footprint extends beyond the water system itself. Affected roadways will be repaved as part of the project, and the Department of Public Works is coordinating additional road resurfacing across the broader Hanalei area in conjunction with the work.

The project is expected to wrap up by the end of 2026. Residents with questions can reach the Department of Water at 808-245-5461 or at publicrelations@kauaiwater.org.