BYU-Hawaii and the Kaio Family are co-owners of the land in question. BYU-Hawaii has been working with and will continue to work together with the Kaio Ohana LLC to resolve this matter.

BYU-Hawaii did not shut off the water to this parcel of land. In September 2016, a pipe that was used to supply illegally diverted water to the parcel broke. The Kaio Ohana LLC as well as Martha and Kealoha Kaio were informed of the broken pipe and were aware that they would need to work with the Laie Water Company to legally establish water service. BYU-Hawaii is neither a state licensed purveyor of water, and therefore cannot legally act as a public utility; nor will it incur the liability associated with providing free water service.

BYU-Hawaii is hopeful that the Kaio Ohana LLC and Martha and Kealoha Kaio are able to resolve the disagreement over this land and hopes all parties can find an amicable solution.

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Brigham Young University–Hawaii, founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was established in 1955. Today, BYU–Hawaii’s 2,700 undergraduate students come from more than 70 different countries.

Contact:

Laura Tevaga

Laura.tevaga@byuh.edu

(808) 675-3669