Department of Land and Natural Resources

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate Release:  October 20, 2022

GOVERNOR IGE PROCLAIMS THURSDAY AS “IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER”

To view video please click on photo or view at this link: https://vimeo.com/762466929

(HONOLULU) – Today, Governor David Ige declared “Imagine a Day Without Water.” It’s part of a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of water in our daily lives and to commit to ensuring a sustainable water future.

The DLNR Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) and Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) are partnering with city, state, and county government agencies to bring attention to the value of water.

“An aging water infrastructure and the prospect of a drier climate threaten our natural water supply,” said Gov. Ige. “The Imagine a Day without Water campaign recognizes the importance of protecting our fresh water and the need for maintaining the critical infrastructure that allows our residents to have reliable access to clean water service.”

A lack of fresh water is also a public health and safety crisis. Much of Hawai‘i’s water infrastructure is aging and in need of repair or replacement. Without investment, water and wastewater systems will continue to deteriorate, leading to further serious consequences to everyone’s health and the economy.

“We need to be alert in our efforts to cautiously plan, monitor, regulate, and manage our streams and aquifers,” DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said. “A big challenge is that many times the demand for water is in areas where the water supplies are less abundant.”

While water infrastructure is important, protecting Hawai‘i’s only source of freshwater is just as important. Maintaining healthy native forests and watersheds and ensuring the sustainability of aquifers and streams will enable public water systems to continue to provide life giving water to residents across the state.

“The Red Hill fuel release is threatening current and future drinking water,” Honolulu Board of Water Supply Manager & Chief Engineer Ernie Lau said. “Emergencies like this highlight the essential need for water.”

Imagine a Day Without Water is an opportunity to share why water is important to you, your business, and your community. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts on why you value and cherish water in your lives with a loved one, friend, or associate.

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RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

HD Video – Imagine a Day Without Water Proclamation Signing (Oct. 20, 2022) :

https://vimeo.com/762466929

Photographs – Imagine a Day Without Water Proclamation Signing (Oct. 20, 2022) :

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7rmo5iob2pb5zbr/AAC9_2lfBZrGUJmK9ZvPRRGWa?dl=0

For more information on Imagine a Day Without Water:

https://imagineadaywithoutwater.org/

 

Media Contact:

Madison Rice

Communications Specialist

Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources

[email protected]