An earthquake measuring 6.0 magnitudes hit Hawaii’s Big Island, leading to a significant water crisis in the Kona region. This area, famous for producing some of the world’s most sought-after coffee, relies heavily on rainwater catchment systems due to a lack of county water infrastructure.
The quake destroyed many of these systems, forcing farmers to cope without stored water. Roy Santana, an 80-year-old resident, along with his wife KayLynne, have experienced the impact firsthand. Their water tank was rendered useless by the earthquake, and the rock walls they built to protect their farm were damaged.
“Things just started falling off shelves and crumbling,” said KayLynne Santana, a local coffee and macadamia nut farmer, as she surveyed the damage. “My husband got the flashlight and looked at our water tank. The whole thing was down.”
The Santanas, like many in the region, have lived without a county water supply for decades. They have long mastered the art of conservation, but the loss of their water catchment system presents a significant challenge.
The community now faces the tough task of rebuilding essential infrastructure while handling the immediate shortage of water. This disaster follows a spring season already marked by severe floods. The resilience of farmers in Kona is being tested, and their ability to adapt will determine how they overcome this crisis.
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