On June 11, 1906, the abundant water of the great valleys of Kohala was turned upon the thirsty fields of the warm lowlands. Mrs. Sam Parker set the waters of Honokāne to flowing down upon the rich fields of Kohala in these words. “I christen thee Kohala Ditch. May you bring blessings, happiness and prosperity to the people of Kohala.”

All of Kohala and many from Honolulu were gathered about the arch at the head of Hālawa gulch. Small boys, Japanese laborers and Hawaiian men and women in gay colors and long leis hung in clinging clusters on the steep and grassy slopes of the gulch. Chattering people and cascading water added a natural rhythm to the scene. The day was perfect Kohala weather: a strong cool wind and a blue sky flecked with drifting clouds from which fell occasional raindrops. The rolling uplands shone almost golden green in the sunlight. The cane tops nodded and whispered among themselves of the water that was soon to rush down to them, cool and refreshing.

After the morning’s opening ceremonies, an afternoon luau was served at the Kohala Club Hotel and a dance and reception was given that evening. A pinnacle in Kohala’s history was reached that bright day long ago. Only Hāwī Plantation had faith that The Ditch would be ready to supply water upon the agreed date. Only Hāwī was ready with reservoirs and ditches to manage the water flow through their fields of cane. The other plantations, realizing “Hind’s Folly” was about to become reality, began hurriedly negotiating and building to take advantage of the water supplied by John Hind’s unfailing faith and vision.