KALAUPAPA DRINKING WATER SYSTEM REPAIRS COMPLETED; POWER OUTAGE DELAYS RETURN OF PATIENTS AND STAFF

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is continuing to coordinate with the National Park Service (NPS) and other partners to return patients and staff to Kalaupapa as soon as possible, following the successful repair of the settlement's drinking water system.

NPS informed DOH that repairs to the Kalaupapa drinking water system have been completed. The system was flushed, the storage tanks were refilled and water was tested to confirm that an adequate and reliable drinking water supply had been restored.

Patients and staff were temporarily relocated from Kalaupapa on Sept. 11, after multiple attempts to repair ongoing problems with the settlement's drinking water system were unsuccessful and DOH activated its contingency plan for temporary relocation. After the water system was successfully repaired and cleared for use, DOH had planned to begin returning patients and staff on Sept. 25.

That return was delayed because of the anticipated impact of Hurricane Nolo. On Sunday, Sept. 27, hurricane-force winds damaged a power line along the Kalaupapa Pali, leaving the settlement without electricity. Without reliable power, it is not safe to return patients and staff to the settlement.

The National Park Service, which manages and maintains the electrical system at Kalaupapa, has been coordinating with Hawaiian Electric, which has offered to assist the National Park Service to repair the NPS line to help restore power. On Monday, Sept. 28, the utilities had line crewmembers and a helicopter available to make the necessary repairs. Access to the damaged line has been complicated by the need to obtain permission from the property owner who controls the right of way at the top of the Kalaupapa Trail. NPS and the utilities are working with the property owner to secure the necessary right of entry so repairs can proceed.

"We remain focused on getting our patients home to Kalaupapa as soon as it is safe to do so," said Dr. Diana Felton, chief of the DOH Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division. "We appreciate the patience and flexibility of our patients and staff during this temporary relocation and we are grateful to the National Park Service, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric and our other partners who are working to restore the conditions necessary for a safe return."

DOH is also aware of reports of thefts from residences in Kalaupapa while the settlement has been largely unoccupied. NPS has maintained a law enforcement presence in the settlement during the relocation period. DOH is coordinating with NPS, the Maui Police Department (MPD) Molokaʻi Patrol Division and MPD detectives as they assess the reported losses and investigate the reported crimes. Questions regarding specific incidents or the status of investigations should be directed to NPS and the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

DOH will continue to coordinate with NPS and the DOH Safe Drinking Water Branch as efforts continue to restore power and prepare the settlement for the return of patients and staff. DOH will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

About the Kalaupapa Settlement

Kalaupapa is home to patients who receive services through the Hawaiʻi Department of Health's Hansen's Disease Program. DOH provides medical, nursing and other support services to patients living in the settlement.

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