The Daily bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Hawaii]) 1882-1895, 1891-07-17
THE WATER QUESTION.
EDITOR BULLETIN -


There has been considerable talk
and comment on the water question
for some time past, and | will try,
as far as it lies in my power, to eX-
plain the situation.
The water supply from the Nuu-
anu source (Which is the principal
gravitation system Of the city, fell
off nearly two thirds during the last
two months. Within the last four or
five weeks the supply from Nuuanu
has only been little over 700, 900
gallons in "A hours. A great many
of the resid nts of Honolulu have
never visited the source of supply
and therefore cannot Judge, but they
are of opinion, and have said openly,
that it is a shame to waste water run
ming the e,eclric lights, and have
blamed me tor it. There is no water
wasted by the electric lights what
ever. Every drop of water that
drives the electric light wheel comes
down to the city. The amount OF
water stated above has to 90 farther
than many one imagines. The
valley has to supply certain portions
of the lower part of the city, all Of
the higher elevations such as the Val
ley, Judd street, Paama, the slopes
of Punchbowl. Malliki Reservoir and
Waikiki at night.
Some people ask why the water
was held back in tie reservoir.
The water was held back during
the dav BY order of the Minister of
the Interior, 50 that the people could
have the benefit Of the electric light
at night and also have a supply of
water as far as it would go for the
city. Within the last two or three
years the city has extended, and in
what direction just think for one
moment, and YOU will see that the
principal part of the extension has
been along the slopes of Punchbowl,
and that means high service. If the
Government had gone to work and
put down reservoirs or means OF wa.
ter supply during the last few years
according to the building demands,
the city would not have been in tuis
position with regard to scarcity of
water to-day. The scarcity of water
is no new thing. Two or three years
ago there was also scarcity, hut
nothing was done, and do not con-
slider that any person is to blame
now. Everything has been done to
alleviate the trouble. This thing
will go on and on until some time,
not very far distant, when, instead
of a scarcity of water for few
weeks, the scarcity of water will ex
tend into months. What has been
done with the forests up Nuuanu
valley, where the principal supply
comes from? Nothing. Let any one
90 up and view that valley now and
compare it with what it was twenty
years ago. They will see a great
change. Trees have died out, or
been cut down, and have not been
replaced. This is very serious
matter, and ought TO be attended to.
The periodical rains of twenty years
ago have gone. You cannot depend
on the water supply in Nuuanu val
ley or any of the valleys the same as
before, and ii would be well for the
next Legislature to investigate the
matter and do something to protect
the forests and increase tue rainfall.
With regard to the Waikiki water
| problem. the BULLETIN says that the
residents Of kapiOlani P,rk have
been suffering for the lack of water.
| am well aware Of the fact, and did
all that lay in my power to tide over
the difficult. 90 May Both No. 2
steam fire engine was placed on
Thomas Square artesian well to sup
ply certain parts of the plains and
Waikiki with water, and has been
there pumping fourteen hours per
diem Sundays not excepted up 10
Tuesday night, July "A, in all AZ
DAYS. The engine did very well for
some time, but, as soon as the resi-
dents along the pipe line, also the
drivers of The tramways water carts,
found there was good pressure and
supply, the pipes were pretty well
depleted before the water could reach
WAIKIKI. 1t would have required a
watchman on every yard to stop the
waste of water, ami it was here the
old adage came cut in bold relief,
"Man, mind myself" If the old