What We Do

Aqua Engineers, Inc. has an unsurpassed record for providing high quality water and wastewater services in Hawaii. Celebrating 40 years of planned company growth and diversification, we have developed a reputation for providing a broad spectrum of services, while still maintaining high standards for quality and customer service.

We provide a diverse collection of services to our clients, including:

  • High quality and cost-effective operation, maintenance and management of water and wastewater facilities
  • Timely equipment repairs and preventive maintenance
  • Complete compliance with all applicable environmental and safety regulations
  • Engineering design and construction management services
  • Positive public and government relations
  • Support of community and environmental industry activities

History

The Founders

Aqua Engineers, Inc. got its start when Ian Kagimoto, Walter Briant, Seichi Oyama and Frank Kiger saw a need for trained operators for the privately-owned wastewater treatment plants on Kauai. They formally opened for business on January 1, 1981, providing operation and maintenance services for the Poipu Kai wastewater treatment plant. The number of clients soon increase, as well as the need to provide design and engineering services. After Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992, the island’s economy slowed, and the decision was made to expand to the other islands. Our first off-island contract was with the Lanai Company at Manele Bay. To this was added the Keauhou Resort on Hawaii Island and additional plants on Maui and Oahu.

Aqua’s Private-Public Partnership

In 2004, Aqua Engineers, a small, minority owned, local company was awarded a 50-year contract to own, operate and upgrade the Schofield Barracks wastewater system. This was the nation’s first wastewater privatization contract. Subsequently, in 2008 Aqua Engineers is awarded a second 50-year contract to operate and maintain the Oahu U.S. Army’s collection system (sewer lines, manholes and pump stations…) outside of central Oahu to include Fort Shafter, Aliamanu Military Reservation, Schofield Barracks, Hickam Airforce Base, Fort DeRussy, Tripler Army Medical Center and Pilila’au Army Recreation Center.  In 2011, the Lyman Road Upgrade Project replaced approximately 20,000 lineal feet of gravity sewer from Schofield Barracks main base to Schofield WWTP at Wheeler Army.

Aqua Becomes Employee Owned

In 2006, the four founders sold the company to its employees thru an Employee Stock Ownership Trust making it a 100% Hawaii based employee owned company.  The company was rewarded for its work in advocating for and building on the many benefits of employee-ownership by being nominated as 2018 ESOP Company of the Year by the Hawaii Chapter of the ESOP Association.

Today

Aqua Engineers remains headquartered in Lawai on the island of Kauai and has purchased its first Public Utility Commission (PUC) Regulated utility, Puhi Sewer and Water Company, Kauai.  The award winning, full-service company, is now serving over 30 wastewater systems, 15 water systems and 70 stations statewide, five being R-1 facilities, producing the highest quality effluent in the state of Hawaii.