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1958 Kona Drought

November 9, 2026
Categories: 
1950's

Kona Drought Disaster: The HNG supported the Civil Defense Agency during the period 6 Feb – 8 Mar 58 by furnishing truck drivers, six (6) 750 gal water tankers, six (6) 450 gal water trailers and five (5) gal water cans. The Guardsmen assisted by hauling water from the primary water points at Honakuhau, Holualoa, Konawaena and Honaunau in the drought area to local distribution points. From the points water was issued in five gallon cans to the population. During the operation a total of 3,968,700 gallons of water was hauled to the drought area from Kohala Waimea districts by HNG and commercial tankers and from Oahu by barge.

–1958 Annual Report pp. 7

THE NATIONAL GUARD IN CIVIL DEFENSE

Mr. Peter Pakele, Deputy Director of Hawaii county for Territorial Civil defense (right) gives instructions to Sgt. Noble Sonoda, Btry C 487th Field Artillery battalion, for the delivery of drinking water to drought stricken Kona.
Mr. Peter Pakele, Deputy Director of Hawaii county for Territorial Civil defense (right) gives instructions to Sgt. Noble Sonoda, Btry C 487th Field Artillery battalion, for the delivery of drinking water to drought stricken Kona.
Sgt Stanley Sugai, Btry A 487th Bn turns the spicket which delivers precious drinking water into the containers of drought stricken Kona residents. Sgt Sugai, a coffee farmer, volunteered for active duty to assist his neighbors.
Sgt Stanley Sugai, Btry A 487th Bn turns the spicket which delivers precious drinking water into the containers of drought stricken Kona residents. Sgt Sugai, a coffee farmer, volunteered for active duty to assist his neighbors.
(Pictures from the 1958 March The Hawaii Guardsmen)

. . .

At the present time, men and equipment of Batteries A and C, 487th Field Artillery Battalion, are participating in an operation in providing water for domestic use to families in the drought-stricken Kona district on the Island of Hawaii, carrying out the Governor’s proclamation of a state of emergency. Many favorable remarks have been received in connection with the close cooperation and teamwork existing between Civil Defense, County agencies, and the National Guard- all working together for the welfare of the people.

– 1958 March The Hawaii Guardsmen pp. 14

In 1958, during a long drought in the Kona area, Guardsmen hauled over 3,968,700 gallons of water into the area over a period of 32 days

– 1960 October The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 43

1958 (March)

Due to a severe prolonged drought in Kona, Hawaii, HNG’men hauled drinking water in tank-trailers to Kona residents and schools for many weeks.

– 1963 June The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 7