State Takes Control of Wahiawa Dam to Improve Flood Protection

After years of conflict, Hawaii will acquire the century-old dam and reservoir from Dole Food Co. to ensure public safety.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05am

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A serene, cinematic painting of the Wahiawa Dam and reservoir surrounded by lush greenery, with the structure bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the importance of this aging but vital infrastructure.The state's acquisition of the aging Wahiawa Dam aims to safeguard this critical flood control and agricultural resource for Hawaii's future.Wahiawa Today

The state of Hawaii has voted to acquire the Wahiawa Dam and reservoir from Dole Food Co. after the company declined to make necessary safety upgrades required by new state regulations. The dam, which is rated as 'high hazard' by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, will now be under state control to improve flood control and agricultural uses of the reservoir, known as Lake Wilson.

Why it matters

The Wahiawa Dam and reservoir play a critical role in flood control and agriculture for the region, but the aging infrastructure has become a point of conflict between the state and Dole. With extreme weather events increasing, the state determined it must take over the dam to ensure public safety and maintain the reservoir's multiple uses.

The details

The state's acquisition of the dam, spillway, and downstream farm infrastructure was enabled by a 2023 law that appropriated $5 million for the transaction. However, the state expects to spend at least $14 million on immediate cleanup and maintenance, plus an additional $21 million or more to upgrade the dam to higher safety standards. The state's Agribusiness Development Corp. is expected to take control of the dam from Dole in the coming weeks.

  • In recent weeks, two major rainstorms nearly caused the Wahiawa Dam to overtop, leading to catastrophic downstream flooding.
  • In 2023, Act 218 was signed into law, enabling the state's acquisition of the dam from Dole Food Co.
  • On Friday, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources voted 6-1 to authorize the acquisition of the dam, lake, spillway, and farm infrastructure.

The players

Wahiawa Dam

A century-old dam and reservoir in Hawaii, also known as Lake Wilson, that serves agricultural and flood control purposes.

Dole Food Co.

The current owner of the Wahiawa Dam and reservoir, which has declined to make state-mandated safety upgrades, citing the costs as unaffordable and unnecessary.

Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)

The state agency that oversees the regulation of dams in Hawaii and voted to authorize the acquisition of the Wahiawa Dam.

Sustainable Hawaii LLC

The owner of the Wahiawa Dam spillway, which will also convey its interest to the state as part of the acquisition.

Wesley 'Kaiwi' Yoon

A member of the DLNR board who cast the lone dissenting vote against the decision to proceed with the dam acquisition.

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What they’re saying

“He noted that Dole has left the state with an untenable choice: Either lose the reservoir and dam, which is needed for any agricultural renaissance as well as de facto flood control for the area, or pile more expense on Hawaii taxpayers.”

— Wesley 'Kaiwi' Yoon, DLNR Board Member

What’s next

The state's Agribusiness Development Corp. is expected to vote today to receive the dam from Dole. Once the transaction is complete, the state will begin immediate cleanup and maintenance work on the dam, while also planning for the $21 million in upgrades to bring it up to the state's new higher safety standards.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for the state to take control of aging infrastructure like the Wahiawa Dam to ensure public safety and protect vital agricultural and flood control resources, even when private owners are unwilling or unable to make the necessary investments. The state's acquisition of the dam will come at a significant cost to taxpayers, but is necessary to address the growing risks posed by extreme weather events.