Two crew members clearing vegetation beside the water-filled Keaīwa flume.

A recently rediscovered folder from the 2009 Keaīwa Water System Flume Replacement Project offered a chance to look back at an important piece of history and at some of the people who helped make the work possible.

Among the papers were notes prepared for the project’s blessing ceremony, held on June 19, 2009. At the time, the aging flume line and trestles were under stress, and the system was losing a significant amount of water. Roughly one-third or more of the water entering the system at the Noguchi Tunnel, approximately two miles away, was being lost along the way. Replacing portions of the flume with pipe was an important step in improving the system.

And it was no small job. The crew cleared routes, built bridges, poured concrete, joined pipe, broke rock and cleared debris from old tunnels, often working in difficult terrain.

The completed project was celebrated with a blessing and gathering. Ed Olson welcomed everyone, and John Cross shared some of the history of the water system, including the earlier stewardship of Eddie Andrade of Kaʻū Agribusiness, whose work helped lay the foundation for what followed. Pastor Marino Ramones led the blessing, with Rep. B. Herkes, Councilman G. Enriques, and County Agricultural Specialist D. Hopkins also in attendance. Ed later turned on the system, and everyone had time to talk story and celebrate.

When the old papers resurfaced 17 years later, two names especially stood out: Frank Lorenzo and Miki Graig. Both had received special recognition for their work on the project, including joining pipe, breaking rock and clearing old tunnels.

The Keaīwa water system has always depended on people who know the land, understand the work and are willing to do what is needed to keep it going.

That history feels especially meaningful today as Kaʻū recovers from Hurricane Lala and another season of damaging storms. The impacts to roads, water systems, farms and ranches are a reminder of how important this infrastructure remains to the community.

Mahalo to Frank, Miki and John for the years they’ve put in, and to all of the employees past and present who have helped care for the system and support the lands, farmers and ranchers of Kaʻū.