Lāwa‘i Stream Flows on Kaua‘i Protected for Instream Uses

An interim in stream flow standard was approved for Lāwa‘i Stream on Kaua‘i to ensure continual mauka to makai streamflow and the protection of instream uses.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says the interim instream flow standard or IIFS of 2.41 cubic feet per second (or 1.56 million gallons per day) plus high flows “completely protects the stream’s baseflow.”

According to the department, this is expected to support increased flushing of sediments to improve fish habitat, and ensure sufficient water remains available off-stream for” reasonable and beneficial agricultural uses dependent on Lāwa‘i Ditch.”

Lāwa‘i Stream is located on the southern coast of Kaua‘i and supports habitat for native aquatic fish, and many aesthetic, recreational, and educational uses. The stream also sustains an important estuary and nearshore environment relied upon for traditional fishing.  

Historically, Lāwa‘i Ditch diverted streamflow by McBryde Sugar at the 580-foot elevation for sugar production in the Koloa region. Following the closure of McBryde Sugar, McBryde Resources operated the diversion and ditch to support the Lāwa‘i Agricultural Park and non-potable water needs of the Kukui‘ula development.  

State officials say the decision is the result of more than four years of work by Commission staff, including collaboration with community members, organizations, and McBryde Resources. During drought conditions, McBryde Resources will need to rely more on groundwater to support its non-potable water needs. 

After unanimous approval of the Lāwa‘i IIFS by the Commission, Chair Suzanne Case said,  “I really want to thank the staff, the users, and community members for all the tremendous work that went into this. It’s wonderful to have an updated and meaningful instream flow standard that is carefully tailored to address a lot of different types of concerns.” 

Water Deputy Kaleo Manuel said, “It’s so important to re-establish relationships between communities and water. The interim IIFS does just that by restoring continuous streamflow and reconnecting mauka to makai resources with the communities that rely on them. “