Hawaii Agency Approves $4.9M Purchase to Acquire Wahiawa Dam

The state will now take over the 120-year-old dam and irrigation system, but faces millions in repairs.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:03am

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph showing a polished, geometric metal dam model with a flowing water effect, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic lighting and shadows, symbolizing the abstract corporate strategy and financial challenges behind the state's takeover of the Wahiawa dam.The state's acquisition of the aging Wahiawa dam and irrigation system aims to secure a critical agricultural resource, but the high costs of repairs and remediation raise concerns about long-term oversight.Wahiawa Today

The Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp. has approved the $4.9 million purchase of the remaining land to acquire the 120-year-old Wahiawā dam and spillway, part of a larger deal by the state to take over an irrigation system running from Wahiawā to the North Shore. The state will now have to make the hazardous dam safe and restore the Wahiawā reservoir and miles of irrigation lines, likely costing tens of millions of dollars.

Why it matters

The state's acquisition of the Wahiawā dam and irrigation system aims to ensure the long-term management and maintenance of critical agricultural infrastructure. However, the high costs of repairs and environmental remediation raise concerns about the state's ability to effectively oversee the system moving forward.

The details

The $4.9 million purchase from Sustainable Hawaiʻi LLC and Dole Food Co. is not the final step, as the state still has more negotiations to conduct with Dole to take over land near the spillway. The Department of Land and Natural Resources has already agreed to take over the Wahiawā Reservoir, also known as Lake Wilson. The earthen dam has the second-lowest federal safety rating and the highest hazard rating, meaning that if it fails, thousands of people are at risk. Dole estimates restoration of the system itself will cost $35 million, with an annual $2.5 million maintenance and operation bill.

  • The Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp. unanimously voted on Wednesday to acquire the dam and surrounding land.
  • The state has a June 30 deadline to finalize the complex, multi-agency transaction for more than 140 acres of land.
  • Last month's Kona storms highlighted the dam's perilous state, when record rains filled Wahiawā Reservoir to three feet below its brim, triggering the evacuation of thousands of downstream residents on the North Shore.

The players

Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp.

The state agency that approved the $4.9 million purchase to acquire the Wahiawā dam and irrigation system.

Sustainable Hawaiʻi LLC

The company that owns the 142.5 acres of land on which the dam and spillway are located, which the state will purchase for $4.9 million.

Dole Food Co.

The multinational corporation that owns land near the spillway, which the state will also need to acquire as part of the deal.

Department of Land and Natural Resources

The state agency that has already agreed to take over the Wahiawā Reservoir, also known as Lake Wilson.

Gov. Josh Green

The governor who has asked the Legislature to provide an additional $43 million for the work to improve the dam and spillway.

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What they’re saying

“'Come July 1, this is going to be your responsibility, and the life and property,'”

— Jayson Watts, Board chair, Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp.

“'There's no big ticket, hidden repairs coming,'”

— Trisha Kehaulani Watson, Consultant, Dole Food Co.

What’s next

The Hawaiʻi Agribusiness Development Corp. staff will likely come back to the board in May to ask for final approval of the terms of the agreement with Dole and Sustainable Hawaii.

The takeaway

The state's acquisition of the Wahiawā dam and irrigation system is a complex and costly endeavor, but it is seen as necessary to ensure the long-term management and maintenance of this critical agricultural infrastructure. However, the high price tag for repairs and environmental remediation raises concerns about the state's ability to effectively oversee the system moving forward.