Hilo schools close; water lack critical

HILO >> Eight Hilo schools were closed today as the city’s water situation went into what Bernard J. McMorrow, health officer, terms a “critical” day.

Closing the schools affects 6,065 pupils.

The Piihnua school, which has its own water supply, opened as usual today.

Although 0.58 inches of rain fell in Hilo during the 24 hours ending at 7 this morning, the Hilo water works said it did not help the situation except to lessen the fire hazard.

Tapping operations brought in an additional million gallons last night. If this is sufficient for the day it will mean that the city can get along without boiling its water, Mr. McMorrow said.

He emphasized that the present supply is potable and promised to give ample warning if it becomes necessary to boil water.

There was a slight drizzle in Hilo this morning.

Mrs. Emma P. Giacometti, supervising principal of Central Hawaii schools, said the schools will re-open tomorrow. She add that every precaution will be taken to use water sparingly.

Japanese language and Catholic schools also are closed.

Many Halai hill homes are without water.

Efforts in Honolulu to provide an additional water supply for drought parched Hilo achieved dubious success today when it was learned from Hilo that the supply in question is not potable and will be used only as a last resort.

C. Brewer & Co. officials agreed to divert Kapehu stream water into the Hilo system but John S. Rickard, superintendent of the Hilo water works, said in Hilo that the water is not potable, according to a radio-gram from the Hilo Tribune-Herald.

Kapehu stream water rights are held by the Hilo Sugar Co. under terms of its lease of Piihonua government lands. Terms of the lease provide that the company shall relinquish its water rights temporarily in case of emergency.

Mr. Rickard has served notice on the company that the stream will be tapped if needed.

Rep. Thomas T. Sakakihara conferred with Governor Poindexter and Land Commissioner L.M. Whitehouse late Monday hoping to make Kapehu stream water available. Mr. Whitehouse subsequently conferred with C. Brewer & Co. officials who agreed to the plan.