History of the
Kawaihapai
(f.k.a. Dillingham)
Water System
This History is based on information in a 2012 report by Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and a 2016 study commissioned by HDOT. To read additional content you can go to the DOT’s resource page HERE
Mokuleia Army Airfield and Military Reservation was established in 1925. The water system serving the facility was initially installed in the 1930s. In 1947 the facility became a United States Air Force (USAF) Base. The USAF granted access to the water system to various users outside of their property though it is unknown exactly when, who granted access, and if there were any formal agreements made. In 1971 the USAF requested a transfer of the facility to the Department of the Army.
In 1972, DOT Airports (DOT-A) began leasing Dillingham Airfield from the Department of the Army. In 1983, DOT-A signed a 25-year lease agreement with the Department of the Army under Contract no. Department of the ArmyCA84-1-81-27 and operated and maintained the water system under provisions of this agreement until 2008. In July 2009, DOT-A agreed to a new operation and maintenance lease under Contract no. Department of the ArmyCA84-1-09-135, which is currently still in effect.
Water System Funding Issues
The Dillingham water system is a public water system designated as PWS 338. DOT-A pumps, treats and distributes potable water to the airfield as well as other areas between Mokuleia Beach Park and Kaena Point Tracking Station (KPTS). This large, diverse water service area has many users who are supplied water. DOT-A has assumed the liability that comes with being a water purveyor.
Since 2005, DOT-A has not charged users for the water and has been operating the water system at an operational loss. [This poses a threat to DOT’s ability to qualify for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants because using federal funds intended for airports to serve off airport users is considered a misdirection of those funds by the federal government.]
The Leak
2019 estimates by officials that the water system was leaking as much as 100,000 gallons per day, or between 2 and 3 million gallons per month. In 2023 the Army and DOT were able to pursue repairs. Repairs are ongoing but they have been able to reduce the water loss to 500,000 gallons monthly as of November of 2023.
To read additional information about the history of the Airfield you can go to the DOT’s resource page HERE