Hawaii is set to acquire a 120-year-old dam that prompted thousands of residents to evacuate last week amid fears of catastrophic failure during heavy rains. The state's land board voted on Friday to acquire the Wahiawa Dam land from Dole Food Co., paving the way for state oversight and at least $20 million in crucial repairs, including an expansion of its spillway.
Located north of Honolulu, the earthen dam was built in 1906 for sugar production by Waialua Agricultural Co., a former Dole subsidiary, and rebuilt after a 1921 collapse. The Department of Land and Natural Resources deems it a 'high hazard' structure, warning that its failure could have fatal consequences.
Residents have long feared the dam's failure during heavy rains. Last week, 5,500 people were ordered to evacuate from two communities on Oahu's North Shore. Evacuation orders were lifted on Saturday when water receded. Kathleen Pahinui, a neighbourhood board chairperson, said state control has been widely supported and will reassure the community, though residents will closely monitor repairs.
Governor Josh Green estimated storm damage could exceed $1 billion, including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes and a Maui hospital. Cleaning up from thick mud and raging waters could take years, Pahinui added.
The state has sent Dole four notices of deficiency since 2009 and fined the company $20,000 five years ago for failing to address safety deficiencies on time. Dole's chief legal officer said fines were for missed paperwork deadlines, not maintenance issues. Dole proposed donating the dam in exchange for an agreement to repair the spillway.
Board member Wesley 'Kaiwi' Yoon voted against the acquisition, citing concerns about costs and Dole's history. However, Dole consultant Trisha Kehaulani Watson-Sproat, a Native Hawaiian who grew up near the dam, called the takeover the 'best way forward' and described it as 'decolonising' the watershed system.
