Hawaii Assumes Control of Century-Old Dam Following Emergency Evacuations
Hawaii is poised to take ownership of a 120-year-old dam that forced thousands of residents to evacuate last week amid fears of catastrophic failure during intense rainfall. The state's Board of Land and Natural Resources voted on Friday to acquire the Wahiawa Dam land from Dole Food Co., a decision that will facilitate state oversight and unlock at least $20 million for essential repairs and spillway expansion.
Historic Structure Deemed High Hazard
Constructed in 1906 for sugar production by Waialua Agricultural Co., a former Dole subsidiary, the earthen dam north of Honolulu was rebuilt after a collapse in 1921. The Department of Land and Natural Resources classifies it as "high hazard," warning that a failure could have deadly consequences. Residents like Kathleen Pahinui, who was among 5,500 people ordered to evacuate from two communities on Oahu's North Shore, express ongoing anxiety. "Residents worry the dam will fail during each substantial rain," Pahinui stated, noting that evacuation orders were lifted only after water levels receded.
Broad Support for State Ownership
State control has long been advocated by the governor's office, lawmakers, neighbors, and farmers, making Friday's vote a widely anticipated yet welcome development. Pahinui, a neighborhood board chairperson, submitted testimony supporting the plan, emphasizing that state ownership will significantly reassure the community. However, she cautioned that residents will monitor closely to ensure repairs and improvements are implemented promptly.
Storm Damage and Financial Implications
The recent storm caused waters to rise rapidly, exacerbating already saturated ground from previous downpours. Governor Josh Green estimated the storm's cost could exceed $1 billion, impacting airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital. He described it as the state's most severe flooding event since 2004. Cleanup efforts, including removing thick mud from homes and addressing damage from raging waters that displaced houses and vehicles, may take years to complete.
Regulatory History and Dole's Position
State records reveal that Hawaii has issued Dole four deficiency notices regarding the dam since 2009, fining the company $20,000 five years ago for failing to address safety issues on time. Dole Chief Legal Officer Jared Gale clarified that the fines were for missed paperwork deadlines, not maintenance lapses, asserting that Dole has maintained the dam and spillway "very well" over the years. Dole proposed donating the dam, reservoir, and ditch system to the state in exchange for an agreement to repair the spillway to meet safety standards.
Board Reservations and Decolonization Debate
Prior to the vote, board member Wesley "Kaiwi" Yoon voiced reservations about the deal, questioning the state's ability to bear costs and referencing Dole's history of plantation-era colonization. "If the state is going to endure this and partner with Dole, who again has a checkered past and issue with its Native community and what it's done to aina over time, it’s very difficult to be so nonchalant about this issue," Yoon remarked, using the Hawaiian word for "land." He was the sole board member to vote against the acquisition.
Path Forward and Community Perspectives
Dole consultant Trisha Kehaulani Watson-Sproat, a Native Hawaiian who grew up near the dam, argued that state takeover is the "best way forward," describing it as "the decolonizing of this watershed system." She warned that the alternative would be Dole decommissioning the dam, potentially disrupting water access for crops and communities. The board also heard testimony from a farming advocate highlighting the dam's importance to agriculture and a resident urging swift action to ensure public safety.
