Pauwela Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Haiku Reservoir Maui Reservoir 14
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Pauwela Reservoir in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii, stands as a vital water resource for irrigation purposes since its completion in 1904.
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Summary
With a capacity of 142 acre-feet and a normal storage of 98 acre-feet, this earth dam structure on Liikoi Gulch spans 270 feet in length and 47 feet in height. Despite its historical significance, the dam's condition assessment in 2021 reported a poor state, with a high hazard potential, prompting concerns for its structural integrity and the safety of surrounding communities.
The reservoir's spillway, with a width of 14 feet, is uncontrolled, posing a potential risk during peak discharge events. The dam's inspection frequency is set at every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in December 2018. Furthermore, the risk assessment categorizes Pauwela Reservoir as having a moderate risk level (3), indicating the need for proactive risk management measures to safeguard against potential failures and mitigate any adverse impacts on the environment and local infrastructure.
Given the critical role of Pauwela Reservoir in supporting agricultural activities in the region, stakeholders, including the state regulatory agency DLNR, must prioritize necessary maintenance and rehabilitation efforts to enhance the dam's resilience and ensure its long-term functionality. As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the sustainable management of Pauwela Reservoir is essential to safeguarding water availability for irrigation and mitigating risks associated with potential dam failures or emergencies.
Year Completed |
1904 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
47 |
River Or Stream |
LIIKOI GULCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
1.19 |
Nid Storage |
142 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
47 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
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Pauwela Reservoir