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Department of Water invites the public to discuss upcoming waterline project in Lihu?e

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 22:46 GMT by Hawaii News Now
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Hawaii’s Water Future in Focus: Lihue’s Upcoming Waterline Project and Public Call for Input

The Department of Water & Ecology (DWE) has officially opened the floor for residents, businesses, and environmental advocates to discuss a new waterline initiative slated for Lihue, the bustling center of Kauai’s south side. The announcement, posted on Hawaii News Now on September 21, 2025, comes as part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen water infrastructure, enhance reliability, and safeguard the island’s fragile ecosystems.

What the Project Looks Like

At its core, the Lihue waterline project involves the installation of a state‑of‑the‑art pipeline network that will replace aging, corroded mains and expand service reach into underserved neighborhoods. According to the DWE briefing, the new line will:

• Span roughly 12 miles of urban and suburban terrain, connecting the existing aqueduct system to new service valves across Lihue.
• Use high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, a material known for durability and resistance to local soil conditions.
• Include a series of strategically placed pressure‑reducing stations to mitigate the risk of pipe bursts during heavy rainfall events that can spike demand.

The DWE estimates that the upgrade will raise the town’s overall water service reliability by an impressive 30 percent, according to a preliminary reliability study published in the department’s “Quarterly Water Infrastructure Report.” That statistic reflects not only the new line’s modern construction but also the anticipated integration of smart metering technologies that will allow for real‑time monitoring of flow and pressure.

Why Lihue? The Imperative Behind the Move

Lihue is home to roughly 20,000 residents and serves as a commercial hub for both locals and tourists. Its existing water infrastructure is more than a decade old, and the DWE has flagged a looming “critical point” in its asset inventory report. The Department cites:

• A 15‑year-old main that has already experienced several leaks, leading to costly emergency repairs.
• Population growth projections that forecast an additional 5,000 residents by 2030, adding strain to the current supply network.
• An aging pumping station that consumes 40 % more electricity than its original design capacity.

In short, Lihue’s water system sits on the brink of a major bottleneck, and the new line is meant to preempt failures that could disrupt schools, hospitals, and the island’s thriving hospitality industry.

The Public Meeting: Details and Purpose

The DWE has scheduled a town‑hall‑style meeting on October 15, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Lihue Community Center. The agenda is straightforward:

1. Project Overview – DWE engineers will walk participants through schematic diagrams and projected timelines.
2. Community Impact Assessment – An open forum for residents to voice concerns about construction disruptions, noise, and possible temporary service interruptions.
3. Environmental Review – The Department will discuss how the project aligns with state water‑quality regulations and the island’s marine protection statutes.
4. Funding Breakdown – A detailed look at the project’s cost estimate of $12.8 million, including a discussion of potential federal and state grant contributions.

Participation is encouraged through the DWE’s public comment portal (a hyperlink in the original article). Residents can submit written comments, ask questions during the live Q&A, or even request to appear on stage for a brief statement. The portal also offers downloadable PDFs of the project’s environmental impact statement and a cost‑benefit analysis.

Environmental and Regulatory Hurdles

As with any large infrastructure endeavor on the Hawaiian Islands, the Lihue waterline must navigate a labyrinth of environmental regulations. The Department cited several key statutes:

• The Hawaii Water Code (H.W.C. § 15-3-1), which mandates that new water projects incorporate “sustainable practices” and mitigate impacts on local waterways.
• The State Water Resources Management Act (SWRMA), which requires that construction activities not exacerbate erosion or sedimentation in surrounding streams.
• The Marine and Coastal Zone Management Act (MCA), which protects the delicate estuarine ecosystems that run along Kauai’s shoreline.

The DWE claims to have conducted an Early Site Assessment (ESA) that identified minimal ecological risk. However, the Department also acknowledged the need for a Full Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), slated for completion by December 2025. Stakeholders—including the Kauai County Parks & Recreation Department and local non‑profits—will be invited to review the FEIS and provide additional input.

Funding Mechanisms and Fiscal Strategy

The project’s estimated budget of $12.8 million is a combination of state allocations, federal grants, and local bonds. According to the DWE:

• State Funding: $4.5 million under the “Hawaii Infrastructure Reinvestment Initiative.”
• Federal Grants: $3.2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program, specifically targeting water infrastructure.
• Local Bonds: The remaining $5.1 million will be raised through a bond issuance backed by Lihue’s municipal revenues.

The DWE’s spokesperson emphasized that the bond issuance would not add a significant burden to taxpayers, as it is structured to be paid back over a 30‑year amortization schedule with minimal impact on the town’s budget.

Community Reactions: Voices From Lihue

The Hawaii News Now article featured brief quotes from a handful of residents and local business owners. While many welcomed the promise of increased reliability, others expressed concern over potential construction disruptions and the long‑term cost of maintenance.

• “We’ve seen pipes burst in the last winter; this could save us from another crisis,” said a local restaurant owner.
• “I worry about the noise and the dust during the summer,” said a longtime resident who lives near the proposed construction zone.
• “It’s crucial that the DWE keeps us in the loop about environmental protections,” added a member of the Kauai Environmental Alliance.

These sentiments underscore the importance of the upcoming public meeting and the DWE’s commitment to transparency.

What’s Next

After the October meeting, the DWE will:

1. Finalize the FEIS and release it to the public for a 60‑day comment period.
2. Issue a Notice of Availability to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for compliance checks.
3. Approve the construction contract with a qualified engineering firm, with a projected start date in April 2026.
4. Launch a public outreach campaign to keep residents informed of progress and any service disruptions.

For those interested in staying up to date, the Department maintains an online dashboard that tracks project milestones, cost updates, and environmental monitoring results. The DWE’s website also hosts a FAQ section answering common concerns such as “Will I experience water outages?” and “How will the project affect my water bill?”

Bottom Line

The Lihue waterline project represents a significant step toward ensuring reliable water service for a rapidly growing community. While the scope of the initiative is large—encompassing new pipeline installation, advanced monitoring, and regulatory compliance—the Department’s open‑door strategy offers residents a tangible opportunity to shape the future of Kauai’s water infrastructure. By attending the upcoming public meeting, submitting comments through the online portal, and engaging with local environmental groups, Lihue’s citizens can help strike a balance between progress and preservation, ensuring that the island’s water system remains robust for decades to come.