Yesterday was the groundbreaking and dedication for Andrade Camp’s new water system.

It’s hard to believe that we started this project – to help transition our neighbors at Andrade Camp from a private, sugar plantation water system to a standard county water system – five years ago.

The 31 households in Andrade Camp, next to the farm, are made up of former sugar plantation employees. They have always paid a flat rate for their water usage, $8/month, and the sugar company took care of all maintenance on the water lines.

When C. Brewer sold all its sugar lands a few years back, the company told residents they’d have to take over the private water system and start paying the county for their water use.  The company went down to just six workers doing all the maintenance on their lands, and by the end, there was only one executive on O‘ahu making all the money decisions.

Fortunately, on the ground, it was John Cross that was in charge. I’ve known John for 15 years and he is one of the good guys. He was the one who decided to put in individual meters at each house. He did everything he could to make sure the private water system was operational. Knowing what was happening at the company’s O‘ahu headquarters, I’m sure John did some pretty creative accounting to make sure everything was going to work out for Andrade Camp.

It was quite a process to transition this small neighborhood from that point to the county water system. We wanted to help, and formed the Andrade Camp Association. Roy Oka was elected president. Myself, Rick Ryken and Richard Matsunami were on the board of directors.

We asked for a meeting with Water Supply.  Representative Dwight Takamine, John Cross, who represented the sugar company, Milton Pavao, the boss of the key Water Supply personnel and the Andrade Camp Association Board attended this important meeting.

After that meeting we recruited Roy Takemoto, from the County Planning Department and Attorney Alan Okamoto, who had experience with Hamakua Sugar and transition issues. Dayday Hopkins and Jane Horike also helped us organize ourselves.

Dwight Takamine was the driving force behind this project. There were several times that it looked like the project had died, but he would not give up. I’ll bet he called more than 15 meetings in order to keep the process moving. He is very good at getting the best out of people. He was able to keep everyone on the same page and working together.

He insists on sharing the credit with everyone. But all of us who were involved from the start know that it was Dwight who made it happen.

I’ve known him for as long as I’ve been farming in Pepe‘ekeo. He does this kind of collaborative process with all the groups on the Hamakua Coast. I respect and admire people who are doers, not talkers.

I am not a political person. But based on my observation over the past 15 years, I support Dwight one hundred percent in his run for the Senate.

Fast forward to yesterday, the groundbreaking and dedication ceremony for the new Andrade Camp water system.

Here is the press release about yesterday’s event:

Pepe‘ekeo Community Celebrates Successful Ground Breaking for Andrade Camp Water System

Pepe‘ekeo, Hawai‘i – June 10, 2008 – A gorgeous summer day unfolded for Pepe‘ekeo Community as they celebrated the ground breaking of the Andrade Camp Water System Improvements Project.  A little fewer than 100 people gathered on Andrade Camp Road to hear their partners’ celebratory comments and witness the symbolic groundbreaking.

USDA Rural Development State Director Lorraine Shin commented this morning, “Our goal at USDA is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for people in rural America.  Attainment of this goal is evident today with Andrade Camp and our partners from all levels of government and community.”  The Andrade Camp Water System Improvement Project will successfully transition their private plantation era water system to a modern County water system.

Deputy Manager Quirino Antonio spoke on behalf of the Water Board, County of Hawaii– “This project demonstrates that together we can make a difference.  Together we can map a better future for generations to come.”

The blessing was held on Andrade Camp Road in Pepe‘ekeo this morning.  A lunch celebration followed at the Kula‘imano Community Center.  Many partners spoke during the luncheon about the sincere efforts of all involved.  Representative Dwight Takamine closed the celebration with, “This effort surrounding this small community was made possible because each and every partner held the best interest of Andrade Camp Residents at heart.  Thank you all, sincerely.”

Construction begins June 12, 2008.