Kula Community Meeting Water Update

​(This update is from Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura summarizing the information provided at the upcountry meeting held on 8/24.)
 
Thank you to Akakū for airing the meeting last night. For those who missed it, here is a link to the meeting video.
 
Mahalo to Water Director John Stufflebean, as well as Melvin Tokuda and Dennis Lopez from the State Department of Health's Safe Drinking Water Branch for answering questions related to water. We are also very grateful for the participation of Prof. Andy Whelton of Purdue University.
 
RECAP OF INFORMATION SHARED LAST NIGHT

• What was done in response to the fire:
• The system was isolated and secured
• The system was re-pressurized for fire control
• Determined the water advisory and affected areas as is standard practice following a wildfire
• Water samples were collected for testing
• It takes about one week from collection of samples to receiving results
• What is ongoing:
• Samples are still being collected for testing, with more testing to be done in the coming weeks
• None of the samples tested so far exceed health standards
• What is next:
• Sampling/testing will continue over the coming weeks to ensure that the water is safe
• It will likely be a couple of weeks before areas are removed from the advisory
• A definitive timeline was not given because it depends on test results
• If your address is located in the advisory area, follow all guidelines
• If your address is not located in the advisory area, your water is fine
• Increased communication from the Department of Water Supply

 
QUESTIONS

• My office is working on consolidating the questions that were not addressed in last night's meeting so we can get the appropriate and accurate responses.

 
GUIDANCE

• Check the advisory map to see if you are located in the affected area. Addresses are searchable on the top left.
• Follow the guidance put forward by the water department. This information, along with other resources, can be found on mauinuistrong.info.
• Lab results for Upper Kula water systems can be viewed here.