Kona’s Water Crisis After Earthquake

The Earthquake and Its Impact

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 recently struck Hawaii’s Big Island, causing significant damage to water catchment systems in the Kona district. These systems are vital for the area’s farmers, who depend on rainwater caught in tanks to sustain their homes and crops. The earthquake resulted in the loss of stored water supplies for numerous farmers, presenting a severe challenge.

Challenges for Farmers

Kona is known for producing some of the most sought-after coffee globally, thanks to its unique climate. Small farms spread across the volcanic slopes benefit from afternoon rains to nurture coffee crops. These rural areas lack county water infrastructure, making rainwater catchment essential. However, the earthquake led to wide-scale destruction of these systems, leaving many without access to water. KayLynne Santana, a local farmer, described how her water tank was destroyed, emphasizing the impact on daily life.

The breaking of rock walls and tanks caused immediate problems. For decades, the Santanas and others have conserved water effectively, relying solely on their catchment tanks. The earthquake has forced them to confront immediate shortages.

“Things just started falling off shelves and crumbling,” KayLynne Santana said. She and her husband have adapted to living without county water.