Blessing held for Kapa‘a Homesteads Tanks Project

Published on July 17, 2025

KAPA‘A – The Department of Water (DOW) and contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc., (HDCC) held a blessing ceremony on Friday, July 11 to commence the Kapaʻa Homesteads Tanks Project.  This project will construct two 0.5 million-gallon storage tanks, totaling 1 million gallons, along with necessary storm drain improvements. Additionally, approximately 1,700 linear feet of water lines (16-inch and 12-inch) and associated appurtenances will be constructed.

“This project has been a long-time coming.  These new storage tanks enhance the current on-site storage from the circa 1923 storage tank and will be a tremendous benefit to the surrounding community,” stated Joe Tait, DOW’s Manager and Chief Engineer. 

Speaker of the House Rep. Nadine Nakamura and Sen. Pres. Ron Kouchi played a large role in securing state funds to help finance approximately one-third of the $23.3 million project. Rep. Nakamura, who was present at the ceremony, emphasized the positive impact that the water infrastructure improvements will have for fire protection in the area, particularly for Kapa‘a Elementary School and Kapa‘a High School.  Furthermore, the successful implementation of the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital (SMMH) Master Plan relies on establishing a robust water infrastructure to support it.

Friday's blessing was officiated by Kahu Jade Waialeale Battad, and included Speaker of the House Nadine Nakamura, Board of Water Supply Vice-Chair Tom Shigemoto, DOW’s Manager and Chief Engineer Joe Tait, and HDCC’s Sr. Vice President Len Dempsey.

The project is estimated to complete in 2027.

For further information or questions, please contact the Department of Water at 808-245-5455 or email publicrelations@kauaiwater.org.

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