Haleiwa Dam: Core Facts and Current Status
Haleiwa Dam is a small irrigation and water-supply dam located in Haleiwa on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The structure is managed by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply as part of the broader Oahu water system that includes surface reservoirs and groundwater sources Honolulu Board of Water Supply. Public records list the dam as a regulated water facility rather than a major hydroelectric project, with primary use for local irrigation and municipal supply.
The dam sits in the Haleiwa area near streams and valleys that feed into Oahu's coastal plain, supporting both agricultural and domestic water needs. Data from state and federal registries classify the structure according to its height, storage volume, and downstream hazard potential, with oversight provided by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission where applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Capacity, Operator, and Regulatory Framework
Haleiwa Dam's storage capacity and spillway design are documented in state dam safety filings and the National Inventory of Dams maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply operates the dam alongside other Oahu reservoirs, coordinating releases to balance irrigation demand, streamflow protection, and public supply reliability.
Regulatory oversight includes routine inspections, emergency action plan updates, and compliance with state dam safety standards. The dam's classification and operating rules are reviewed periodically to reflect changes in land use, climate patterns, and population growth across the North Shore Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Role in Oahu Water Infrastructure and Local Impact
Integration with Oahu's Water System
Haleiwa Dam functions as one component of Oahu's integrated water management strategy, which combines surface storage, groundwater pumping, and conservation measures. The dam helps capture and store runoff from nearby streams, providing a buffer during dry periods and supporting irrigation for local agriculture and green spaces.
Key Data Points
Available data on the dam includes its location, owner, storage capacity, spillway capacity, and downstream hazard classification. These metrics are used by planners and emergency managers to assess flood risk, water availability, and infrastructure resilience across the Haleiwa and broader North Shore community.
Why Haleiwa Dam Matters
For residents and businesses on Oahu's North Shore, Haleiwa Dam contributes to a reliable local water supply while also playing a role in stream health and ecosystem protection. Understanding its capacity, operator, and regulatory status helps stakeholders make informed decisions about water use, conservation, and infrastructure investment.
Looking Ahead
Future updates to Haleiwa Dam's operations and safety protocols will depend on ongoing monitoring, state and federal guidance, and input from the local community. Continued transparency in reporting capacity, maintenance, and compliance supports long-term water security for the Haleiwa area and Oahu as a whole.