Red Hill’s water crisis could prevent or even halt some construction projects

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Red Hill’s water crisis has the potential to prevent and even halt construction projects in Aiea and Halawa all the way to Hawaii Kai, according to officials on the Board of Water Supply.

With three wells currently out of service, BWS warns builders that they may not be able to approve all water supply applications.

No projects are affected at this time. But the agency says that could change.

It’s a reality that the construction industry says could hurt the Oahu economy.

BWS chief engineer Ernest Lau says, if you are planning a project or are in the construction phase: “They should come over immediately and talk to us.”

Depending on where the project is located, getting a permit for water could be a problem, according to Lau.

Even if the agency has already approved your application, the service is not guaranteed under the current circumstances.

“We want to try to cope with the growth and the need for water. But under these circumstances we now have to examine what we can safely accommodate without affecting the water supply for our existing customers, ”said Lau.

He added that several communities could be affected, particularly those that feed on the Halawa Aiea Water System.

“It’s from the Iwaene Street area in Halawa, all the way up to Hekaha Street on the west side,” Lau said.

In addition, Lau said other neighborhoods that could be affected are from the Halawa Industrial Area, where the correctional facility is located, to the Kalama Valley in Hawaii Kai.

The situation could have a significant impact on the island’s economic stability, according to the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

A spokesman said: “We are concerned that there are already approved developments in the area and the suspension of the water allocation would mean developers have invested huge dollars in projects that cannot be completed, sold / closed – a financial disaster for these companies. “

The association added, “It would also result in the loss of construction jobs and material sales.”

The Board of Water Supply says that water efficiency should be paramount in the future.

“Especially with larger projects,” said Lau. “You have to start being really creative to make your project water efficient.”

BWS is currently conducting an assessment to find out which projects may be affected. Lau says he should know more early next year.

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