Puu Pulehu Reservoir

UPPER HAMAKUA DITCH OFF STREAM· Hawaii, Hawaii· Built 1910· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Puu Pulehu Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Hawaii. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 10.2% in HI)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage445 acre-ft
Normal Storage338 acre-ft
Surface Area26 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge93 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
Year Modified1991
NID IDHI00123

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: June 21, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DLNR

Ownership

State of Hawaii, Dept of Agriculture

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Puu Pulehu Reservoir?

Puu Pulehu Reservoir is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Puu Pulehu Reservoir?

Puu Pulehu Reservoir is owned by State of Hawaii, Dept of Agriculture (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Puu Pulehu Reservoir built?

Puu Pulehu Reservoir was completed in 1910, making it 116 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Puu Pulehu Reservoir?

Puu Pulehu Reservoir serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Puu Pulehu Reservoir?

Puu Pulehu Reservoir has a dam height of 20 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Puu Pulehu Reservoir last inspected?

Puu Pulehu Reservoir was last inspected on June 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.