Capital Improvement Projects are in progress…On Friday, Aug. 1, Maui County Water Director Jeff Eng addressed the members of the Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui, providing an overview of the Capital Improvement Program for Upcountry Maui. Eng described three proposed projects slated to begin during Fiscal Year 2009, including improvements to the Kamole Water Treatment Plant, Makawao Waterline, Upcountry water storage and the Kula tank system.
In the wake of this year’s water shortages, Eng stressed the importance of completing these projects as quickly as possible. “We need to address capital improvements,” he said. “Resource development is a critical area.”
Eng said each of the proposed projects is “much-needed,” and some should have been dealt with 10 years ago. “We have a lot of catching up to do,” he said. “Not only do we need to develop new infrastructure, but we also need to work on the replacement and reinforcement of existing [infrastructure].”
According to Eng, improvements to the Kula tank system are in the design phase—construction is expected to begin in 2010. In addition, he said proposed line improvements for Makawao will improve water distribution and the much-anticipated Upcountry water storage “could handle the worst drought” and will be in the most favorable location.
Eng said he is working closely with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct pumping scenarios and also acknowledged potential partnerships with local development corporations.
“Partnerships aren’t bad,” he said. “They often prove to be faster… the county procurement process can take some time.”
In addition, Eng said he will work to build more ground water wells for Upcountry Maui. Currently, Upcountry uses 80 percent surface water; use of ground water would help in the event of drought—and quite possibly relieve the strain on consumers’ pocketbooks. For more information, visit the county Website at www.co.maui.hi.us.