Governor David Ige recently released $5,000,000 in capital improvement project (CIP) funds to finance water well improvements for agricultural use in North Kohala, Hawai‘i.
Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) issued the following statement:
“I am beyond thrilled that Governor Ige has released funds to finance water well improvements for the ʻUpolu Well Development Project for agricultural use in North Kohala, Hawai‘i. Improving the ʻUpolu Well to meet agricultural production standards is critical to ensure that the North Kohala region has a viable agricultural water source since the Kohala Ditch collapsed over a year ago and left the region without a viable water source. Because of the loss of the ditch water, many agricultural users had to switch their water source to domestic water from the county’s water system, which is much more expensive and cost prohibitive for their continued operation. Creating a new, more affordable agricultural water source is the spark of hope the North Kohala agriculture community needs to reinvigorate the Big Island’s agricultural industry.”