Hawaii Island farmers, ranchers struggle to recover after Hurricane Lala destroys crops, water lines

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Farmers and ranchers on Hawaii Island are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Lala, with widespread damage to water lines threatening agricultural operations in some of the hardest hit areas.

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Hayley Barcia, the niece of Kaʻu rancher Nonie Soares, said floodwaters rushed down the mountain and destroyed water lines serving the property.

“The biggest long-term effect is our water lines are completely destroyed,” Barcia said. “So that means every gallon has to be brought in now.”

Barcia said Soares’ home also suffered extensive damage after about four feet of flooding. Sewage and water lines were destroyed, and the home will need to be gutted.

The damage extended beyond individual properties. Barcia said floodwaters reshaped the land, leaving behind a wide area of destruction where a riverbed once existed.

Farmers in the Pahala area also lost crops during the storm.

Matt Dreyer, a farmer with Ancient Valley Growers, said standing water destroyed field crops and flattened basil plants.

Dreyer estimated the operation lost about 2,000 zucchini and roughly the same amount of green cabbage. He estimated the total damage to crops and land at between $20,000 and $25,000.

The storm also damaged water lines that cross bridges and connect different parts of the valley.

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Dreyer said his farm has a temporary water supply, but rebuilding the damaged system could take weeks. Parts have already been ordered and are expected to arrive at Central Supply in Hilo in about three weeks.

Meanwhile, the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply continues to assess damage in some of the hardest-hit areas.

Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto said some washouts are so severe that crews have only been able to assess them by helicopter.

By late last week, Okamoto said more than 96% of the department’s customers had water service restored through generators or by hauling water between systems.

However, pockets of customers in Nāʻālehu, Waiʻohinu and Discovery Harbour remained without water.

The Department of Water Supply is advising residents in the Waiʻohinu and Nāʻālehu areas to continue boiling water used for drinking and cooking until further notice.

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