Mar 10, 2021
According to a state report, the Kaupakalua Dam was in âunsatisfactoryâ overall condition before the flood hit, and a plan was underway to remove the dam this summer. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
The Maui News
Before a warning of “imminent failure” of Kaupakalua Dam in Haiku during heavy rainfall and flooding Monday, a plan was underway to remove the dam this summer, following a state report that found the structure in “unsatisfactory” overall condition.
The reservoir was empty before the heavy rain started falling Monday, according to Mahi Pono, which is half-owner of the dam and reservoir built in 1885 and owned and managed by East Maui Irrigation Co.