Kohala supports a very complex hydrological cycle . In the early part of the 20th century , this was exploited by building surface irrigational channels designed to capture water at the higher elevations and distribute it to the then-extensive sugarcane industry . In 1905 , after 18 months and the loss of 17 lives , the Kohala Ditch , a vast network of flumes and ditches , measuring in length , was completed . It has since come into use by ranches , farms , and homes . A portion of the ditch became a tourist attraction until it was damaged by the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake , centered just southwest of the mountain . The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply relies on streams from Kohala to supply water to the population of the island . With increasing demand , the original surface channels have been supplemented by deep wells designed to channel groundwater for domestic use . In 2003 the '' Kohala Watershed Partnership '' was formed , a voluntary group of private land owners and state managers , designed to help manage the Kohala watershed and to protect it from threats , most especially invasive species
2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake
2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake
Kohala (mountain)