The drinking water system for the Kalaupapa community has been repaired. Patient residents and staff had to leave the settlement on Sept. 11 because of the extended outage, after both the primary and secondary water systems failed.
“The system was flushed, the storage tanks were refilled and water was tested to confirm that an adequate and reliable drinking water supply had been restored,” states a Hawai’i Department of Health press release.
The DOH said it was poised to bring residents back to Kalaupapa last week, but held off due to Hurricane Nolo’s approach.
High winds from the storm damaged the power line that runs down the 2,000-foot pali. With no electricity since Sept. 27, patients and residents again couldn't return.
The National Park Service manages and maintains Kalaupapa’s electrical system. Hawaiian Electric offered to help fix the line, with crewmembers and a helicopter. But repairs were delayed as they wait for permission from the property owner who controls access at the top of the Kalaupapa Trail, where the power lines run.
On Friday afternoon, HECO said it made the needed repairs and restored power. The primary issue was damage to the conductor extending from the top of the pali to the settlement below.
“We remain focused on getting our patients home to Kalaupapa as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Dr. Diana Felton, chief of the DOH Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division, in the press release. “We appreciate the patience and flexibility of our patients and staff during this temporary relocation and we are grateful to the National Park Service, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric and our other partners who are working to restore the conditions necessary for a safe return.”
And during the time a majority of residents and employees have been absent from the settlement, there have been reports of thefts to Kalaupapa homes. This comes despite the NPS maintaining a presence during the past several weeks to secure the community. NPS, the Department of Health and local law enforcement are coordinating an investigation.
It's still unclear when Kalaupapa residents will be able to return home.
