Hawaii County eased water rules for South Kohala, which is good news for households there but restrictions still remain in place.

• The county canceled its order requiring essential water use only in South Kohala.
• Customers in the area are now simply asked to cut water use by at least 25%.
• Irrigation customers face a separate, stricter reduction target.
• The easing comes as the county plans a construction project to address the area's water system, set to start late next year and finish in late 2028.

Outlook: Conservation requests will likely stay in place for South Kohala until the new water infrastructure project is completed in 2028.