Water service at a popular West Hawaiʻi Island beach remains spotty — and will likely be on and off well into next year.
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, ranked as one of Hawaiʻi's best beaches, has faced issues with its water lines since 2018. The problem has disrupted access to bathrooms, showers and drinking fountains.
There have been over 40 attempts to fix underground pipe leaks.
Division of State Parks District Superintendent David Arnado said these fixes have become less and less effective.
"Before this last leak, they attempted to fix and turn it on and it lasted about two, three seconds before we sprung three other leaks," said Arnado.
"So it's worked his way from lasting a month and a half to two months at a time to lasting seconds."
DSP is in the process of redesigning the entire system, which Arnado said will take until at least the end of 2024. In the meantime, portable restrooms have been temporarily installed.
Lawmakers earmarked $3 million for the new system.
