I KA WĀ MA MUA, I KA WĀ MA HOPE We look to the past as a guide to the future

Formed in 1961, the Hawaiʻi Water Works Association (HWWA) provides an opportunity for those who are interested in water utility organization, management, and operations to gather and hear speakers, visit facilities, discuss and seek solutions to problems, and to plan and work for the general betterment of the water works industry.

According to Article IV of the HWWA’s by-laws, the principal activity of the Association is the Annual Conference. Each year, one of the four County water departments is designated to host the next annual conference, which is always held in the Fall. The annual conference features a technical program of varying topics of value and interest to those working in the water utilities field, as well as a tour of a water-related facility. 

HWWA is open to county water department Managers, their Deputies, and staff; staff of the State Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Branch; and other executive level personnel directly involved with the water utility and development industry. Membership is granted upon the payment of a $1 fee and no regular dues are required. 

HWWA is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

William “Bill” Yoshito Thompson had water in his veins. Sometimes, that water boiled. Other times, it was ice water. Like when the then-20-year-old ignored the advice of fellow soldiers from the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team and retrieved the wounded from a battlefield in Italy. The heroics earned “Wild Bill” -- one of monikers he used for himself -- the first Bronze Star of his anti-tank platoon.

“I think this example best illustrates the character of Bill Thompson,” his longtime friend, colleague, and successor as DWS Manager-Chief Engineer, William Sewake, wrote in a 1993 letter asking the Hawaiʻi Water Works Association to create an award in his name. Bill was the “father of HWWA” and the “the real ‘spark plug’ of this association,” Sewake added.

Born in Hilo, Thompson joined the County of Hawaiʻi Board of Water Supply, as it was known then, in 1950 after graduating from the University of Hawaiʻi with a degree in civil engineering. He became the Department’s second-ever Manager-Chief Engineer in 1960. During his eight-year tenure, Bill secured State funding to create more public water systems. The switch to concrete reservoirs, ductile iron pipes, and copper laterals were among the new construction standards he implemented.

Bill started the Hawaiʻi Water Works Association (HWWA) in 1961 by organizing the first statewide Water Officials Conference in Kona. That meeting gave birth to the HWWA, which provides “an opportunity for those interested in Hawaiʻi’s water utilities to meet, seek solutions to problems, and work toward “the general betterment of the water works industry.”

So, it’s in William Y. Thompson’s honor that we recognize an outstanding water industry individual who demonstrates dedication of service, superior work performance, and love for the people of Hawaiʻi.

(excerpted from the 2023 HWWA Conference Booklet, County of Hawaiʻi)