Hanalei Water Line Upgrade on Weke Road Begins March 23

A water line more than a century old running beneath Weke Road in Hanalei is being replaced today as Koga Engineering & Construction Inc. breaks ground on a $3.1 million infrastructure overhaul that will stretch through June 30.

The Kaua'i Department of Water's Hanalei Water Line Improvements Project covers approximately 3,000 feet of mainline between ʻAnae Road and Mālolo Road, near Waioli Beach Park. The scale of the upgrade is significant: existing pipes measuring just 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter will be replaced with 8-inch and 12-inch lines, a change officials say will dramatically improve fire suppression capacity in the neighborhood. New fire hydrants will also be installed, and crews will improve individual service connections to residences along the corridor before repaving the affected roadway.

"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 project was formally launched with a blessing ceremony on March 16, officiated by Rev. Dr. Mark Poppen. Kaua'i County Council Chairman Mel Rapozo and Board of Water Supply Chair Tom Shigemoto were among the officials in attendance.

Construction runs weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, through June 30. Motorists traveling along Weke Road should expect lane restrictions and are urged to drive slowly, follow the directions of flaggers, and observe posted signs. The Kaua'i Department of Public Works is also coordinating additional road resurfacing in the broader Hanalei area in conjunction with the pipeline work.

Questions about the project can be directed to Garrett Ichimura of Koga Engineering at 808-864-3148, or Scott Suga of the Department of Water at 808-245-5411.