AFFECTED AREAS: PUAKŌ, KAWAIHAE VILLAGE TO KAWAIHAE HARBOR AND INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND THE FOLLOWING RESORT AREAS:
MAUNA LANI/FAIRMONT ORCHID, HĀPUNA PRINCE, MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL, AND ADJACENT SUBDIVISIONS/DEVELOPMENTS; SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAI‘I
Hawaiian Electric (HE) issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Watch on February 9, 2026, that remains in effect. Per HE, this means that weather data indicates heightened conditions for wildfire risk and that HE is considering a PSPS. Power may be shut off to the affected area with little or no advanced notice if weather conditions are suddenly hazardous.
The Department of Water Supply (DWS) relies on HE power to operate our wells and booster pumps to distribute water to our own customers. Our understanding is that a PSPS power outage may last hours to days, depending on weather conditions, location and extent of damage.
DWS uses backup generators at a limited number of well sites, but these emergency generators CANNOT fully replicate HE’s power grid. An extended power outage could diminish or deplete portions of DWS’ water systems and leave customers with low pressure or no water. In order to
prevent or delay this scenario from occurring, DWS will likely need to restrict, or ration potable water for fire protection, drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene purposes only. Car washing, irrigation, and non-essential uses of water should be suspended until all power and water systems have been returned to normal conditions.
Therefore, DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of DWS water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly. Customers should have alternate sources of potable water and enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service. Ways to safely store drinking water are listed in the Water Emergency Preparedness guide available under the “Community” drop-down menu option on the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org.
Future water messages regarding this will be issued by either DWS or the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency.
To reach the DWS, please call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.