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Infrastructure & Transportation

South Kohala Water Restrictions Force Immediate Operational Adjustments for Businesses

·8 min read·⚡ Act Now

Executive Summary

Unexpected well and equipment failures have triggered mandatory water restrictions in parts of South Kohala and Lalamilo, effective immediately. Businesses reliant on consistent water supply must urgently re-evaluate usage, implement conservation measures, and explore alternative supply chains to mitigate operational disruptions and potential financial penalties.

  • Small Business Operators: Risk increased operating costs for water procurement and potential service interruptions.
  • Real Estate Owners: Property value and tenant viability may be affected by water scarcity.
  • Tourism Operators: Hotels and restaurants face immediate challenges in maintaining service standards.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Critical impact on crop yields and livestock, requiring immediate water management strategy changes.
  • Action: Assess water needs, implement mandatory conservation, and pre-qualify alternative water sources immediately. No hard deadline for lifting restrictions, but compliance is mandatory starting now.
⚡

Action Required

High Priority

Businesses must immediately assess their water usage and secure alternative sources or adjust operations to comply with restrictions, as disruption to normal operations is imminent.

Small Business Operators: Immediately conduct an audit of your water usage. Implement all mandatory conservation measures outlined by DWS. Identify and pre-qualify at least one alternative water source supplier for emergency use – contact water hauling companies now. Prepare contingency plans for reduced operating hours or service offerings and communicate any potential disruptions to customers proactively. Review lease agreements for any clauses related to utility disruptions. Tourism Operators: Hotels must immediately brief F&B, housekeeping, and maintenance staff on water conservation protocols. Reforecast occupancy and dining capacity based on potential water limitations. Communicate with guests about the situation and conservation expectations. Tour operators should review outdoor activities that may be water-intensive and consider alternatives or reduced scheduling. Agriculture & Food Producers: Prioritize water for high-value or critical crops/livestock. If possible, explore drought-resistant crop alternatives for future planting. Investigate options for emergency water storage or delivery if not already secured. Real Estate Owners: Communicate directly with tenants about the water restrictions and their obligations. Assess if the restrictions will impact property services you provide (e.g., landscaping, pool maintenance). For commercial multi-tenant properties, coordinate with tenants on shared resource management.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsReal Estate OwnersTourism OperatorsAgriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Water restrictions → reduced agricultural output → potential increase in food prices for consumers and businesses
  • →Water scarcity → impact on hospitality services (laundry, dining) → potential decline in visitor experience and hotel/restaurant revenue
  • →Increased reliance on trucked water → higher operating costs for businesses → potential price increases for goods and services
  • →Extended water restrictions → potential strain on water infrastructure maintenance and upgrades → long-term cost implications for county and taxpayers
A close-up view of cracked and dry soil, symbolizing drought and environmental challenges.
Photo by Markus Spiske

Immediate Water Supply Disruption in South Kohala and Lalamilo

The Department of Water Supply (DWS) for Hawaii County has issued an immediate Water Restriction Notice affecting portions of South Kohala and Lalamilo. This notice stems from "unexpected well and equipment malfunctions," which have critically reduced the available water supply within the affected service areas. While specific details regarding the nature and expected duration of the malfunctions have not been fully disclosed, the DWS has emphasized that compliance with the restrictions is mandatory until further notice. This situation poses a significant and immediate challenge for businesses operating within these regions.

Who's Affected

Small Business Operators (Restaurateurs, Retailers, Service Providers)

Businesses that rely heavily on water for daily operations, such as restaurants, laundromats, car washes, and even some retail or service-based establishments, will face the most direct impacts.

  • Increased Operating Costs: The most immediate consequence is the potential need to purchase water from alternative, likely more expensive, sources. This could significantly erode already thin profit margins. Conservation measures mandated by the restriction may also lead to longer service times or reduced service offerings.
  • Operational Interruptions: Depending on the severity of the restrictions, businesses might face mandated shut-off periods, impacting production schedules or customer service availability. For instance, a restaurant may have to limit its menu or operating hours, directly affecting revenue.
  • Compliance Penalties: Failure to adhere to DWS restrictions can result in fines, the specifics of which should be clarified with the DWS, but historically can be substantial.

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