HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-27 KCDP AC Letter to DWS - Invitation to AC Meeting and Request for UpdatesCounty of Hawai‘i
KONA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo,96720
(808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov planning@hawaiicounty
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
John Pelletier, Chair
Raymond Kirchner
Vacant
Shane Palacat-Nelsen
Charles Young
Nancy Pisicchio, Vice Chair
Charla Thompson
Vacant
Roselyn Molina
July 27, 2026
Keith Okamoto, P.E., Manager-Chief Engineer
Department of Water Supply
Email:dws@hawaiidws.org
Dear Manager-Chief Engineer Okamoto:
SUBJECT: Invitation to Provide an Update on Water Supply Planning and
Infrastructure in the Kona CDP Planning Area
On behalf of the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee, we respectfully
invite you, or an appropriate representative of the Department of Water Supply (DWS), to
attend a future Kona CDP Action Committee meeting to provide an update on water supply
planning, system reliability, and infrastructure needs within the Kona CDP planning area.
Reliable and equitably planned water infrastructure is essential to the health of existing
communities and to the responsible management of future growth. The Committee would
appreciate information regarding the following matters:
1. Has DWS developed a plan to maintain system reliability and reduce the likelihood that
multiple wells will be out of service at the same time?
2. Is DWS applying to the State Commission on Water Resource Management to develop
additional public wells?
3. If additional wells are developed, how will the resulting water resource be allocated?
4. The Kona CDP emphasizes the importance of providing adequate public infrastructure
to support planned urban growth. In some instances, private developers (e.g., Queen
have been required to construct wells and water-delivery
systems and later dedicate those facilities to the County. How does the Department
Keith Okamoto, P.E., Manager-Chief Engineer
Department of Water Supply
July 27, 2026
Page 2
www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov planning@hawaiicounty
determine when water infrastructure should be publicly developed rather than
constructed through private development?
5. Does DWS intend to update its plans or criteria for prioritizing the development of water
resources and delivery infrastructure?
6. Does DWS have any projections or studies estimating the water capacity that will be
needed in the district over the next ten years?
7. Has DWS considered tax increment financing or other alternative financing mechanisms
to support water projects in designated growth areas?
A presentation and discussion with the Department would help the Committee and the public
better understand current water conditions, planned improvements, funding considerations,
and the relationship between water infrastructure and implementation of the Kona CDP.
Please let us know whether you or another DWS representative would be available to
participate in an upcoming meeting. Planning Department staff can coordinate with your office
regarding possible dates, presentation needs, and meeting logistics. Please contact the
Planning Department’s Community Planning Section at CDP@hawaiicounty.gov.
Mahalo for your consideration and for the Department’s continued work to provide safe and
reliable water service to the community.
John Pelletier, Chair
Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee
JH
\\hawaiicounty.gov\depts\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\CDP\CDP - Kona\Action Committee\Meetings\2026\2026 Letters
cc: Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Director
Bethany Morrison, Long Range Planning Program Manager