ʻĪao Water Treatment Facility Infrastructure Improvements Advance

Shaft 33, Image credit: Office of Council Services, County of Maui.

The Water Resources Committee on Wednesday recommended adoption of a resolution approving land purchase agreements for the expansion of the ʻĪao Water Treatment Facility and development of Wailuku Well 1, Committee Chair Gladys Baisa announced.

“This agreement is good news for our residents as it will help increase water availability and the county’s storage capacity in Central Maui,” Baisa said in a press release.

“The improvements will replace the infamous Shaft 33 – an aging structure at retirement condition that has presented dangerous situations for our personnel.  Replacement of the shaft will prevent disastrous loss of water, which officials have been concerned about for many years,” said Baisa.

The resolution advances to the full council on Oct. 6, 2015.

The agreement calls for the purchase of 4.31 acres in Wailuku for three parcels at $943,984 from landowner RCFC Kehalani, LLC.  A two-million-gallon water tank is also included in the agreement, which would be constructed by RCFC Kehalani and Maui Lani Partners.

Baisa cited Water Director Dave Taylor in saying the project will increase water source capacity from 1.5 to 3.2 million gallons per day.  Baisa said Taylor anticipates the project will be completed within two years.

Baisa said she looks forward to working with the department and the community to facilitate approvals for the project.