A temporary solution finally is in the works to restore water service to the Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area.
Fresh water has not flowed to the popular beach park since October 2022.
According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the waterlines at the beach prematurely started to deteriorate beginning in August 2018.
By October 2022, 41 repairs occurred over the course of four years. These repairs averaged roughly eight times per year, which caused park closures and cost more than $134,000.
The DLNR’s Division of State Parks decided to shut down the park in October 2022, and the staff was asked to discuss temporary solutions until CIP funds could be allocated and released for an entire water system replacement.
However, due to public demand, the park was reopened two weeks later with no water service and with portable toilets to provide minimal service.
Bids for building a temporary waterline were submitted earlier this month, and a contract is currently being finalized, said AJ McWhorter, a spokesperson for DLNR.
According to state Sen. Tim Richards, a contractor was supposed to be chosen by February or March, and a temporary water fix was promised to be done by the end of July.
“What really ticks me off is that I was assured we’d have water by end of July, and we don’t,” Richards said. “I talked with Curt Cottrell at DLNR in February and again in May, where he assured me funding was not an issue due to user fees.”
Richards also mentioned that permitting was not a concern, since it’s an above ground, emergency temporary repair.
“I wanted this done earlier, and I’ve received no good explanation on why this hasn’t been addressed,” Richards said. “DLNR told me in February that they would get right on it, and they haven’t, and that lack of response is intolerable, especially for this easy of a fix.”
Richards said he understands the bureaucratic red tape involved in a permanent solution, but is frustrated by the lack of transparency and work done on something that could easily be addressed.
“I’m concerned about the lack of performance, because now, it may not be done until October,” Richards said. “It’s hard to keep pushing for something relatively simple and high profile for our island.”
According to Richards, the DLNR said the temporary waterline would cost $1 million and would easily covered from the fees collected from nonresidents who use the park.
In the last fiscal year, the DLNR allotted $3.7 million for the design and the construction for a new permanent waterline. DSP may add up to $3 million in federal land and water conservation funds, if warranted.
According to McWhorter, DLNR also is working on upgrading or replacing the 55-year old Hapuna A-frame cabins, with the intent to have the rental complex renewed for public use before completing the permanent waterline fix.
Work the temporary waterline is not expected to start until the end of September.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.