Hawaii

Tourism Is Still Way Down On Maui. And That's Causing A Lot Of Problems

Published

2 years ago

August 7, 2024

Tourism Is Still Way Down On Maui. And That's Causing A Lot Of Problems

Government officials and tourism executives are seeking to restore tourism to Maui, a year after wildfires destroyed much of the island’s Lahaina tourism hub and battered the its key industry.

Just a year ago residents rallied to implore tourists to stay away from West Maui and let residents grieve and recover.

Now officials are planning to target travelers from Southern California – Maui’s most important market – with a campaign designed to restore what tourism executives say is critically needed business for the island’s economy.

Visitor numbers and spending remain sluggish since the August 2023 wildfires. According to the most recent available data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, for June, the number of visitors to Maui was down 22% compared with June 2023. Visitor spending was down 27%, HTA reported.

Under the iconic opening ceiling of the Hawaii State Capitol, Lahaina Strong community representatives deliver more than 10,000 signatures to Gov. Josh Green’s office Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Honolulu. Residents of Lahaina and Maui-wide are asking to keep tourism to West Maui closed until they’re ready. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023) — Under the iconic open ceiling of the Hawaii State Capitol, Lahaina Strong community representatives delivered more than 10,000 signatures to Gov. Josh Green’s office in October asking to keep tourism to West Maui closed indefinitely. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)

The 216,065 visitors to Maui in June was far more than the 94,221 who came in September, the month after the fire. But the number is 22% fewer than the 276,136 who came in June 2023. And with the traditionally slow fall travel season on the horizon, the situation soon could get worse.

“We’re clearly seeing tremendous softness on Maui,” said Jay Talwar, chief marketing officer with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau. Projections show the softness could remain until March or April of next year, said Talwar, whose organization leads Hawaii’s tourism marketing to the U.S. mainland.

The press to attract travelers is a dramatic departure from the mixed messages prospective visitors received in the weeks and months after the devastating fires, said Mufi Hannemann, chairman of the board that governs the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

In a series of stories this week, Civil Beat is reflecting on what’s happened in the year since wildfires swept through Maui and what’s ahead for the island and its people.

Initially, tourists thought they should stay away from Maui, Hannemann recalls. Later they were told to come to Maui but not to West Maui. Then they were told to come, but to be sensitive to what residents were going through, as part of a “Malama Maui” campaign.

Now tourism officials are rolling out an unequivocal welcome mat, especially for potential visitors from the Los Angeles area, Hannemann says. The authority is hoping to make mixed messages a thing of the past, he said.

“We really feel all of that is behind us,” Hannemann said.

Workforce And Air Service Decline As Visitor Base Shrinks

Tourism executives on Maui are facing multiple problems as tourism lags.

One critical issue involves workforce, said Lisa Paulson, executive director of the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association. The island’s hotel workforce has declined by 5,600 since the fires, she said. And with housing prices escalating, it’s hard to recruit new workers to the island, she said.

The lack of workers is so bad that some hotels are considering outsourcing certain jobs to third-parties instead of relying on hotel employees, Paulson said. That creates fewer in-house hotel jobs, which drives more people out of the workforce. It’s all part of what Paulson describes as a downward vicious spiral.

“It’s like a dog chasing it’s tail,” she said. “Where does the solution insert itself?”

Another vicious spiral involves airline seats to Maui. Airline assets are by definition mobile: if a route isn’t popular, airlines can move a smaller plane to serve it or eliminate the service altogether. That means a smaller supply of seats for travelers — and potentially higher fares for those seats, which affects demand, and so on.

“The challenge with airlines is their assets are moveable, so they can move their assets where demand is,” HVCB’s Talwar said.

Air bookings to Maui — In July 2023, a month before wildfires destroyed much of Lahaina, U.S air travelers had booked more than 130,000 seats to Hawaii heading into the fall and winter, including 25,943 for the prime December holiday season. This past July, the numbers were approximately 96,000 overall, and just 18,656 booked for December.

According to Paulson, Maui’s passenger air capacity is down 16% since before the fires. Much of that involves service to the key Los Angeles market, Talwar said. Losing the LA seats is especially problematic, he said, because LA serves as a gateway to Hawaii, serving travelers from destinations further east as well as those from Southern California.

“If we lose flights from LA, it’s a double whammy,” he said.

But regaining air travelers poses a major challenge. Short term, airline bookings for Maui through the end of the year are below levels reported in July 2023, the tourism authority reports. And some softness could remain for years.

A recent Hawaii Tourism Authority study found that over a third of air travelers interviewed in May said the Maui wildfires will impact their likelihood of visiting Hawaii in the next two years. Eight percent said they previously were likely to visit but are “no longer likely to visit in the next two years due to the fires.”

Karli Rose Wilson, owner of To Be Organics in Wailuku, said revenue is down 25% compared to last year, as tourism on the island lags. (Stewart Yerton/Civil Beat/2024)

It’s not just big businesses like resorts and airlines that are feeling the pinch. For small business owners like Karli Rose Wilson, the drop in visitors has meant a substantial decline in her business. The owner of To Be Organics, Wilson manufactures high-end bath, body and skin care products at a design studio in Wailuku.

Wilson normally sells her products wholesale to boutiques, hotels, meeting planners and the like. After the fires, Wilson said, she shut down her factory and and shop for about three weeks and used the space for people to drop off relief supplies. Wilson’s husband, a former chef who now works with To Be, volunteered cooking meals for fire survivors.

After reopening in September, Wilson pivoted from her business-to-business model to sell more products on line. The holidays and first quarter of 2024 were good for To Be, she says, as people rallied to support small Maui-based businesses.

Hawaii's Changinge Economy Special Project series badge

This ongoing series explores where Hawaii’s economy is headed and whether it can grow beyond tourism.

But that business has fallen off, and the normal influx of summer tourists hasn’t come this year.

“We’re all used to the seasonal fluctuations,” she said. “We were waiting for summer to happen at the end of June. But there was nothing. It was crickets. We never really got that summer season.”

So instead of a boost to carry To Be into the holiday season, the company has seen a decline of about 25% compared with last year, she said.

Corporate Meetings and Incentive Travel Targeted For 2025

The tourism authority and HVCB’s push in Los Angeles harkens back to a similar effort launched after the 2008 financial crisis, Talwar said. The idea is not simply to saturate the market but to use behavioral data to target advertising to potential visitors.

Talwar said the campaign will involve paid social media ads and non-skippable commercials appearing on smart TVs, but he declined to say much more. Hotels will be encouraged to bolster the advertising with their own ads and promotions

“I don’t want to go into too many details because it’s a competitive market,” he said.

The visitors bureau is also looking to corporate meetings and incentive travel to fill hotel rooms, restaurants and ballrooms. Travel paid for by companies for corporate retreats and as rewards for top performers can be especially lucrative, Talwar said.

And it’s not just money for rooms and food and beverage.

With all their travel and lodging expenses paid, pampered corporate travelers often have extra cash for shopping, spas and other activities, Talwar said.

“We see a much higher spend from them,” he said.

For hotels, booking groups in advance enables them to better manage cash flow and staffing.

And with team-building exercises often scheduled for corporate meeting and incentive trips, such travelers are likely to engage in the volunteer activities that HTA promotes as part of its Malama Hawaii campaign.

To secure more such travel for Maui, the HVCB is hosting a trip to Maui in December for decision makers for what Talway described as “key accounts,” such as corporations and industry groups. In August 2025, Maui is planning to host some 250 key meeting and incentive planners, Talwar said.

Wilson said To Be has benefitted in the past from corporate planners buying her luxury, locally made creams, oils and candles to give away as gifts. So boosting such travel will help her and other small Maui businesses that rely on tourists.

Asked whether she and her peers can survive until the new initiatives gain traction, Wilson expressed optimism.

“On Maui, I feel like we’re resilient. We’re a strong community,” she said. “As entrepreneurs, this is part of the journey — to overcome these obstacles, no matter what form they come in. And the festive season is right around the corner.”

Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by a grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.

“Hawaii’s Changing Economy” is supported by a grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation as part of its CHANGE Framework project.

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Hawaii

Big Island soldiers who died in Vietnam War are honored – West Hawaii Today

Published

4 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Big Island soldiers who died in Vietnam War are honored – West Hawaii Today

U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Kauhaihao of Captain Cook was just 27 when he was killed in action on Sept. 5, 1969, in Tay Ninh Province during the Vietnam War.

He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross — the Army’s second-highest military decoration for extraordinary heroism in combat, below only the Medal of Honor — in addition to the Purple Heart and other military honors.

Kauhaihao’s name now graces the U.S. Post Office in Captain Cook.

At the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo on Friday, his 83-year-old widow, Shirley Kauhaihao, was among dozens honoring him and other Hawaii Island military members killed in action in the Southeast Asian nation.

The memorial service, hosted by the Big Island National Guard Retirees’ Association and the 1st Squadron 299th Cavalry Regiment, marked National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is technically today. Today’s date is a fitting choice, as March 29, 1973, was the day the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disbanded and the last U.S. combat soldier departed Vietnam. It was also around this date that Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.

Shirley Kauhaihao, who had four children with the decorated hero, drove from Kona to attend the ceremony. She said the memorial at KMR bearing her husband’s name and nine others whose service, like her husband’s, began with the National Guard — assures “these men will never be forgotten, that they will live forever.”

In addition to the 10 whose names are engraved on the memorial, there were 42 other Big Island service members whose ultimate sacrifice was commemorated.

One, Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano of Kealakekua, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his own life on Jan. 1, 1969, near Bien Hao, to clear a helicopter of prematurely detonating explosives that could have downed the aircraft and killed crew mates.

The 25-year-old air cavalryman was originally laid to rest at the National Memorial of the Pacific at Punchbowl in Honolulu. At his family’s request, however, his remains were re-interred on Nov. 11, 2025, Veterans Day, at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Kailua-Kona. Yano Hall, a county Parks and Recreation community center in Captain Cook, is named after him.

Retired Col. Gerald Takase, BINGRA president and the event’s emcee, noted that the fallen service members were honored “in the shadow of our ongoing conflict” with Iran and urged the dozens in attendance to “remember all service members at this time.”

A proclamation from Gov. Josh Green, presented by Peter Sur, Green’s East Hawaii liaison, asked Hawaii residents “to contemplate the price of peace and and to express appreciation to those who have borne the unequal burden of war.”

Maj. Keoki Leong, executive officer of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 1st Squad, 299th Cavalry, delivered the keynote address written by Brig. Gen. Tyson Tahara, the commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard. Tahara couldn’t leave Oahu because of duties related to the aftermath of the recent Kona low storms.

“Whether private or general, when called upon, like these brave soldiers we honor today, we answer,” Leong said.

From Tahara’s prepared speech, Leong noted the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade “lost 29 soldiers.”

“What are the odds that the number would match? That is 29 too much,” he said. Leong added the “bravery and honor of the lava brigade” earned the brigade 40 Purple Hearts, 187 Bronze Stars, 87 Air Medals, four Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit and a Distinguished Service Medal.

“To the ‘ohana of Vietnam veterans, you served as well,” Leong said for Tahara. “You endured long separations, uncertainties — and for some, profound loss.

“Your strength sustained those who wore the uniform, and your sacrifices are part of this legacy.”

He added that Vietnam veterans “answered their nation’s call during one of the most complex and challenging conflicts in our history.”

“Today, we recognize not only their service, but their sacrifice, their resilience and their enduring legacy …,” Leong said.

“These veterans are inspirations of bravery, the standard of heroes in the flesh — and they are the most valuable reminder of the cost of war.”

Each fallen service member’s name was read and a bell tolled for each name. In addition to Kauhaihao and Yano, they are:

Army

• Sgt. 1st Class Edward Loo Jr., Waimea;

• Sgt. Wilfredo B. Andrada, Hilo;

• Sgt. Alberto Milar Jr., Hilo;

• Cpl. Glenn Shibata, Kealakekua;

• Spec. 4 Larry Leopoldino, Hilo;

• Spec. 4 Frank Longakit, Hilo;

• Pfc. Dennis Penis, Honomu;

• Pfc. Dennis Silveri, Pahoa;

• Spec. 4 Gilbert Olivar, Kurtistown;

• Spec. 4 George Luis, Pahoa;

• Spec. 5 Delmore Nerveza, Hilo;

• Spec. 4 Wallace Matayoshi, Hilo;

• Spec. 4 John Cabrera, Kohala;

• 1st Sgt. Samuel Solomon Jr., Hawi;

• Spec. 4 Bobby Barcena, Hakalau;

• Sgt. James Kajiwara, Hilo;

• Staff Sgt. James Lindsey, Naalehu;

• Sgt. Eugene Castaneda, Honokaa;

• Spec. 5 Kaoru Honda, Hilo;

• 1st Lt. Lawrence Gallego, Papaaloa;

• Sgt. 1st Class George Salema, Kurtistown;

• Staff Sgt. Momi Kane, Kailua-Kona;

• Spec. 5 Aaron Hervas, Kailua-Kona;

• Spec. 5 Wolfgang Mohl, Papaikou;

• Spec. 4 Fred Hatada, Hilo;

• Sgt. 1st Class John Salazar, Kohala;

• Sgt. 1st Class Seichi Sakai, Kohala;

• Pfc. Fernando Valdez, Pepeekeo;

• Spec. 4 Michael Nakashima, Hilo;

• Pfc. Errol Perreira, Hilo;

• Spec. 4 Mose Kuahiwinui Jr., Kurtistown;

• Cpl. Robert Lazarus, Waimea;

• Sgt. Herman Ban, Hilo;

• Spec. 4 Calvin Serain, Ookala;

• Warrant Officer Wayne Hedeman, Kealakekua;

• Sgt. 1st Class Alfredo Sanut, Paauhau;

• Staff Sgt. Steve Johnson, Kailua-Kona;

• Sgt. Joseph Gaa Jr., Kealakekua;

• Sgt. Lester Alipio, Hakalau;

• Spec. 4 Terence Ogata, Hilo;

• Spec. 5 Arthur Kawachika, Hilo;

Marine Corps

• Cpl. Charles Iopa, Hilo;

• Lance Cpl. Harold Llanes, Kailua-Kona;

• Gunnery Sgt. Kenyu Shimabukuro, Hilo;

• Lance Cpl. Keith Puhi, Holualoa;

• Pfc. Charley Paro, Kohala;

• Lance Cpl. Hayward Peleiholani, Pahoa;

• Capt. John Peacock II, Kailua-Kona;

Navy

• Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Steven Wolter, Hilo.

Email John Burnett at john.burnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

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Hawaii

10 Most Neighborly Towns In Hawaii

Published

16 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

When visiting Hawai‘i, a stay in one of its smaller towns allows visitors to get a true sense of life in the islands, where locals gather at coffee shops and neighborhood parks, or head to the beach to relax with family and friends. In Kailua, mornings can start with macadamia nut pancakes before heading out on the water, while in Waimea’s cooler slopes and pasturelands are the perfect backdrop for a bike ride or hike. Whether spending the day in a surf town or a quieter inland community, visitors will find friendly locals and plenty of community spirit in these neighborly towns.

Kailua, Oʻahu

Lanikai Beach, Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii. Image credit Malachi Jacobs via Shutterstock

Kailua, the largest town on the windward side of Oʻahu, is a perfect family-friendly destination that combines a laid-back island lifestyle with great food and gorgeous beaches. Kick off the day at Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen, a longtime local favorite known for its famous macadamia nut pancakes. Rent a kayak from Kailua Beach Adventures and take it for a spin in Kailua Bay’s calm waters. Avid kayakers will enjoy the paddle to the Mokulua Islands or to nearby Popoia Island (Flat Island). Afterward, enjoy shopping in Kailua Town and visit local favorites like the Fighting Eel boutique or Soha Living Kailua to find stylish Hawaiian clothing and home goods.

Waimānalo, Oʻahu

Aloha Naia Show at Sea Life Park Hawaii in Waimanalo Beach on the island of Oahu in Hawaii — Waimanalo Beach on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Image credit Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock

Some of Oʻahu’s most stunning beaches and mountain views can be found in sleepy Waimānalo on the island’s windward side. With a backdrop of the dramatic Koʻolau Mountains, the area is home to local farms like Waimānalo Country Farms, which hosts seasonal events like its popular fall pumpkin patch. Make sure to try their famous ‘Nalo lemonade when you visit! For panoramic views, hike the paved, family-friendly Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, where you may even spot whales between January and March. Grab an ‘ono (delicious) sandwich from Kalapawai Cafe & Deli – Waimanalo, then head to Hūnānāniho Beach (Sherwoods Beach), where the shorebreak is perfect for kids and adults to enjoy a bodyboarding session!

Paia, Maui

Paia Fish Market in Paia, Hawaii. Image credit EQRoy via Shutterstock.com

Paia is a laid-back surfer’s paradise on Maui’s North Shore known for its bohemian vibe and plantation-era roots. Peruse the Historic District, filled with art galleries, cafés, and local shops. Stop in at Heart in Paia, a cute boutique where you can buy handcrafted jewelry directly from the local artist. Just outside town, Baldwin Beach Park’s long stretch of beach is ideal for bodyboarding and long walks, often with sea turtles resting along its shore. A short drive away, Ho‘okipa Beach Park is world-famous for its windsurfing and big winter waves. Make sure to book a reservation at Mama’s Fish House for special occasions. Its seafood-heavy menu changes daily depending on what has been caught, and the desserts are top-notch! For more casual fare, Paia Fish Market Restaurant is a go-to for its seafood.

Kula, Maui

Ali'i Kula Lavender farm, Maui, Hawaii. — Ali’i Kula Lavender farm, Maui, Hawaii.

Situated on the slopes of Haleakalā, Kula is located in Maui’s Upcountry region, known for its cool climate and panoramic island views. Visit Aliʻi Kula Lavender Farm to tour its scenic gardens filled with lavender, protea, and hydrangea. After your tour, visit the gift shop where you can pick up lavender-scented lotions and balms as well as a pack of the farm’s famous lavender scone mix. Nearby, Surfing Goat Dairy offers interactive tours where visitors can try everything from snuggling a baby goat to a hands-on milking experience. For a tranquil experience, stroll through Kula Botanical Garden, home to native plants, a koi pond, and an aviary. The high elevation of this area makes the air extra chilly, so remember your jacket!

Haleiwa, Oʻahu

Beachgoers at Alii Beach Park. — Beachgoers at Alii Beach Park, Haleiwa, Hawaii. Image credit Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock.com

Located on Oʻahu’s North Shore, Haleʻiwa is a vibrant surf town known for its massive winter waves, local boutiques, and casual food scene. For a refreshing treat, stop by Haleiwa Bowls for a popular açaí bowl. Just outside town, Shark’s Cove is a favorite summer snorkeling spot, with calm waters and rocky tide pools teeming with marine life. About 15 minutes away, Waimea Valley offers lush botanical gardens and the scenic Waimea Falls, where visitors can swim beneath a waterfall.

Hanalei, Kauaʻi

Hanalei Bay Beach in Hanalei, Hawaii. Image credit Chase Clausen via Shutterstock

Located on Kaua‘i’s North Shore, Hanalei is a small town where surfers, artists, and taro farmers form a close-knit community. The town hugs Hanalei Bay, a two-mile stretch of beach framed by mountains and taro fields. Stroll along the iconic Hanalei Pier, a favorite spot for sunset views and photos over the bay. In town, pick up a coconut-flavored coffee from the Hanalei Bread Company and browse boutique shops along the main street. For a sweet treat, visit Holey Grail Donuts, known for its unique taro-based donuts fried in coconut oil.

Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island

Waimea's green pastures, Big Island, Hawaii. — Waimea’s green pastures, Big Island, Hawaii.

Kamuela, commonly known as Waimea, is a paniolo (cowboy) town shaped by ranching history and named in honor of Samuel Parker of Parker Ranch. Its rolling green hills and cool climate set it apart from the rest of the island. Explore its verdant pastures by bike with a guided ride from Big Island Bike Tours, where you will learn about the region’s history along the way. Visit Anna Ranch Heritage Center for a glimpse into historic ranch life and the legacy of Hawaiʻi’s cowboys. For dining, Merriman’s Big Island highlights locally sourced ingredients in an upscale setting, while Hawaiian Style Cafe is beloved by locals for its hearty portions and famous haupia pancakes.

Honokaa, Hawaiʻi Island

Historic 1930s building in Honokaa, Hawaii. Image credit Chris Allan via Shutterstock

Honokaa is a quiet former plantation town along the Big Island’s Hamakua Coast. Explore the boutiques, galleries, and cafés that line the town’s main thoroughfare, Mamane Street. Just outside town, the Waipiʻo Valley Lookout offers breathtaking views of cliffs and waterfalls cascading into the valley below. For a closer look, book a seat on the Waipiʻo Valley Shuttle Tour, the only way to access the valley floor. Five minutes outside town, the Honokaʻa Chocolate Farm offers guided tours where you will learn the ins and outs of growing cacao and chocolate-making. Make sure to pick up one (or several) of their delicious chocolate bars to take back home with you! No visit to Honokaʻa is complete without a stop at Tex Drive-In for its famous malasadas and local-style plate lunches.

Captain Cook, Hawaiʻi Island

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park at Captain Cook on the Big Island in Hawaii. Image by Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock.

Captain Cook is a small South Kona town named after British explorer Captain James Cook. Visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, where you can learn about the town’s coffee-growing roots through an immersive experience as costumed workers demonstrate traditional coffee farming techniques in an open-air museum. Just down the hill, about a 10 to 15-minute drive, Kealakekua Bay offers some of the island’s best snorkeling and is home to the Captain Cook Monument, accessible by boat or via the challenging Kaʻawaloa Trail. Back in town, check out the historic Manago Hotel Restaurant, a family-run establishment that has been serving the local community since 1917. Make sure to try their famous pork chops!

Lānaʻi City, Lānaʻi

Hotel Lanai in Lanai City, Hawaii. Image credit EQRoy via Shutterstock

Lānaʻi City is a quiet, close-knit, plantation-era town that once served as the headquarters of James Dole’s pineapple empire. At its center is Dole Park, a shady gathering place perfect for picnicking. A short walk along the nearby streets will take you past local boutiques and cafes. Plan a stop at the Blue Ginger Cafe for hearty local dishes or Coffee Works for pastries and coffee. Tour the Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center, located just one block from Dole Park, to learn more about Lānaʻi’s immigrant communities and rich agricultural history. About 20 minutes away, Hulopoʻe Bay features one of the island’s best beaches and access to the scenic Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) Trail. Hike this trail at sunset to catch a stunning view of the island’s coast.

Neighborhoods Like No Other

In these smaller towns, residents and visitors alike have the space to settle into the rhythm of the islands, enjoying gorgeous tropical views from the laid-back patio of a family-run farm or while strolling past local shops, coconut-flavored coffee in hand. Each stop reflects a different kind of neighborhood setting, from coastal communities to upland farming regions, where regional history, local businesses, and understated natural beauty shape these islands.

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Hawaii

Public takeover of Wahiawa dam and reservoir by state advances | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Public takeover of Wahiawa dam and reservoir by state advances | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

The state acquisition of Wahiawa Dam, Lake Wilson and downstream farm irrigation infrastructure is expected in a few weeks after receiving a major approval Friday.

A board overseeing the state Department of Land and Natural Resources voted 6-1 to authorize the agency’s acquisition of the lake property behind the dam under perceived threat by the private owner of the dam and reservoir to dismantle the system that stores and delivers irrigation water to many farmers and helps protect Waialua and Haleiwa from flooding.

“Basically it’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation,” DLNR land division planner Lauren Yasaka told the board.

DLNR is slated to receive Lake Wilson, also known as Wahiawa Reservoir, from Dole Food Co. for free, but anticipates having to spend at least $14 million on cleanup and maintenance.

The state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity has plans to spend $21 million or more to upgrade the dam to a higher safety standard that DLNR established several years ago, which Dole regards as unnecessary and an unaffordable expense it estimated at
$25 million in 2023.

Hawaii lawmakers directed DLNR to acquire the reservoir under a law enacted in 2023 that also included DAB carrying out the dam upgrades while
a third state agency, the Agribusiness Development Corp., acquires the dam from Dole for free plus
land under part of the dam from another company for $5 million.

At Friday’s land board meeting, there was some criticism of Dole for its approach, but also dominant recognition that the 120-year-old water system is better off being a public trust resource that is preserved and improved rather than removed.

“It’s vital to agriculture in that area,” Sharon Hurd, DAB director, told the board.

Wendy Gady, executive director of ADC, said 50 farmers would be put out of business if the system were dismantled by Dole, and that 9,000 acres of farmland, including 3,000 farmed by Dole, would become unmanaged vegetation that presents a wildfire hazard.

ADC’s board is expected to approve its acquisition
of the dam and irrigation
infrastructure at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

The dissenting vote on the land board came from Wesley “Kaiwi” Yoon, vice president of operations, planning and program management at Bishop Museum. Yoon took issue with what he suspects will be additional taxpayer costs with the takeover, and how Dole convinced the Legislature to direct the state agencies to assume ownership of the dam, reservoir and irrigation system.

Yoon called it an “untenable position” for the board.

James “Jay” Carpio, another board member, asked Dole representatives why after 125 years of successful business in Hawaii and
selling Oahu farmland — sales generating more than $63 million over the past decade or so — they won’t take care of their kuleana, or responsibility, to upgrade the dam.

Dole, a $9 billion company headquartered in Ireland, has previously said that its Hawaii subsidiary, which is small today after being part of one of five companies that dominated Hawaii’s economy during the sugarcane and pineapple plantation era, needs to be economically independent and couldn’t shoulder the dam upgrade cost.

Jared Gale, Dole’s chief legal officer, told the board, “We’ve been a big part of this island for a long time, but it doesn’t make sense to us, given our shrinking footprint, that Dole as a private company should own a resource that’s really benefiting a vast majority of the island and not just our company.”

Yoon called Gale’s comment loaded, and said the company and founder James Dole, who started
his pineapple empire in Wahiawa in 1901, have a painful history in Hawaii from the point of view of Native Hawaiians.

Trisha Kehaulani Watson, a local consultant working with Dole, told Yoon that it was fair to bring up what Watson referred to as the company’s “highly problematic and deeply colonial” history in Hawaii.

“Dole is a dirty word in our state,” said Watson, who is Hawaiian. But Watson also said water is a public trust resource and that the water system built in 1906 by former Dole affiliate Waialua Sugar Co. should be as well.

Gov. Josh Green supports acquiring the Wahiawa dam, reservoir and irrigation infrastructure to preserve farming, to maintain recreation on the lake where DLNR manages boating and fishing, and to maintain and improve flood risk and flood control.

DLNR, which regulates dam safety in Hawaii, classifies the overall dam condition as poor due in large part to its spillway not being adequate to handle stormwater the agency deems possible — 45 inches of rain in 24 hours.

If the spillway can’t release enough stormwater, the dam could be overtopped and eroded to a point where more than 3 billion gallons of reservoir water could be unleashed toward parts of Waialua and Haleiwa seven miles downstream.

On March 20, during a devastating Kona-low storm, the city issued a
dam failure alert that said
a failure was in progress
or expected, prompting emergency evacuations in Waialua and Haleiwa after much destructive flooding had already occurred.

That alert was triggered by the dam water level reaching 85 feet, which is below the dam’s 88-foot height that had been increased by Dole to 90 feet using a portable barrier.

Corey Shaffer, a Waialua resident who evacuated due to the danger, urged
the board to approve the acquisition so the dam can be improved.

“I think the frequency
of these (major storm) events is getting so statistically significant that it’s not a question of if we have a topping event, but when,” he said. “And I believe that a topping event will (happen) in months or years, not decades.”

DAB solicited bids on March 10 for the dam improvement work largely focused on replacing the existing spillway with a more efficient one. The agency anticipates that the project can be finished in early 2029, and is exploring how work might be accelerated.

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