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Wahiawa Today
By the People, for the People
Hawaii to Rebuild Wahiawa Dam Spillway
State plans to replace aging dam infrastructure to prevent potential flooding
Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:05am
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A dramatic landscape painting captures the overwhelming scale of Hawaii's natural environment, underscoring the importance of critical infrastructure like the Wahiawa Dam in protecting nearby communities.Wahiawa TodayThe state of Hawaii is expected to take ownership of the Wahiawa Dam and its appurtenances soon, and plans to replace the dam's spillway with a new labyrinthine design. This change is intended to enable the spillway to handle the probable maximum flood without overtopping the dam, reducing the risk of a catastrophic failure.
Why it matters
The Wahiawa Dam is a critical piece of infrastructure that helps control flooding in the region. Replacing the aging spillway is necessary to ensure the dam can withstand extreme weather events and prevent a potential dam breach that could devastate nearby communities.
The details
The new labyrinthine spillway design will result in a longer spillway weir, allowing for greater capacity to pass floodwaters without overtopping the dam. This proactive infrastructure upgrade is a response to several past incidents that have highlighted the need to strengthen the dam's safety features.
- The state of Hawaii is expected to take ownership of the Wahiawa Dam and its appurtenances soon.
- The state plans to replace the dam's existing spillway with a new labyrinthine design.
The players
Wahiawa Dam
A critical flood control dam located in Hawaii that is set to undergo infrastructure upgrades.
What’s next
The Hawaii legislature is expected to provide the necessary funding to begin the reconstruction of the Wahiawa Dam spillway in the near future.
The takeaway
This proactive infrastructure project demonstrates Hawaii's commitment to strengthening its critical flood control systems and reducing the risk of a potential dam failure that could have devastating consequences for nearby communities.
