Waikamoi Flume Replacement Project Proposed

Waikamoi Flume on the West end near the Waikamoi Stream. Photo courtesy: Draft Environmental Assessment, and Munekiyo & Hiraga, prepared for the County of Maui Department of Water Supply.

By Wendy Osher

The County of Maui, Department of Water Supply is proposing the replacement of the existing Waikamoi Flume in East Maui.

The flume stretches just over a mile from its intake at the Haipuaʻena Stream in the east to the Waikamoi Stream in the West.

The flume provides irrigation and domestic potable water to the residents of Kula, Waiakoa, Keokea, Ulupalakua, and Kanaio in Upcountry Maui.

Continuous weathering over the years has resulted in leakage along the entire length of the flume, and DWS personnel say the bridges have become dangerous for maintenance personnel to traverse.

Waikamoi Flume on the Eest end near the Haipuaena Stream. Photo courtesy: Draft Environmental Assessment, and Munekiyo & Hiraga, prepared for the County of Maui Department of Water Supply.

According to the Draft Environmental Assessment prepared for the project, the purpose of the improvements is:

• to provide an aluminum replacement flume that will increase system efficiency by eliminating leakages and
• to give maintenance workers a safe platform for accessing the flume along its entire length.

Triggers for the preparation and processing of an Environmental Assessment include the use of the Conservation District, State and County funds, and State and County lands.

A 30-day public comment period is now open for the public to comment on the project’s draft environmental assessment and anticipated finding of no significant impact.