Hawai'i County Downgrades Water Restriction to Conservation Notice

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Hawai'i County Department of Water Supply has downgraded the Water Restriction Notice to a Water Conservation Notice for customers from Āhualoa to the Waiemi subdivision, including Waimea town. Residents in these areas are asked to reduce water use by at least 10% as the Waimea Well remains offline for repairs, though nearby communities like Kawaihae and Mauna Kea Resort remain under stricter restrictions.

Why it matters

This change reflects improved water supply conditions in parts of Hawai'i County, though ongoing infrastructure issues mean conservation efforts are still necessary to ensure adequate water access for residents and businesses.

The details

The downgrade from a Water Restriction Notice to a Water Conservation Notice applies to customers from Āhualoa to the Waiemi subdivision, including Waimea town. While recent rainfall has refilled the Waikoloa Reservoirs, the Waimea Well remains offline and under repair, so a 10% reduction in water use is still required in these areas.

• On February 23, 2026, the Hawai'i County Department of Water Supply announced the downgrade from a Water Restriction Notice to a Water Conservation Notice.

What’s next

The Waimea Well repairs are ongoing, and the Department of Water Supply will continue to monitor water supply levels to determine if further changes to the conservation notice are needed.