By Staff Reports
(Kauai) — The public is invited to attend a meeting and provide comment on a study being conducted by the Department of Water (DOW) for the Lîhu‘e – Kapa‘a water system. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct 17 at the King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School cafeteria from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The project is titled the “Kaua‘i Water System Energy Conservation Project, Kahili Horizontal Directionally-Drilled Well”. An environmental impact statement is also part of the project.
Among the topics being examined are the following: energy reduction possibilities; renewable energy solutions; and the development of a horizontal directional drilled well.
The purpose of the study is to advance sustainability in the department’s water systems by:
- Reducing the energy requirements to pump water – Currently, the energy costs for pumping and water treatment for the Lîhu’e – Kapa‘a wells comes to nearly $3 million annually. Additionally, more rigorous state and federal standards that have been proposed would double water treatment costs for these wells.
- Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels – A high-level well would eliminate the need for pumping, thereby reducing the department’s dependence on external energy sources.
To make the meeting convenient for families, a special place for children will be set up at the school and credentialed child supervision will be provided by Kama‘âina Kids.
Light refreshments will also be served. To request special assistance or an auxiliary aid for the meeting, please call the Department of Water at 245-5408 at least 10 business days prior to the meeting.