Multiple outlets reported that Mayor Richard Bissen has submitted a $6 million proposal to the Maui County Council to acquire water assets from Launiupoko Water Co. and Olowalu Water Co. The purchase is described as the second phase of a broader effort to expand public stewardship of West Maui’s drinking water infrastructure. Council approval is required before the deal can proceed.
- Mayor Bissen submitted the proposal to Maui County Council on June 30, 2026, via resolution seeking approval for the $6 million acquisition.
- Assets include four potable wells, two non-potable shaft wells, tanks, reservoirs, booster pumps, approximately 16 miles of potable water mains, and three miles of non-potable water mains.
- If approved, the county would serve approximately 480 potable customers and 72 non-potable customers in the Launiupoko and Olowalu areas south of Lahaina.
- The acquisition is framed as Phase 2 of a broader effort to raise public stewardship of West Maui drinking water systems from 45% to 93%.
- Phase 1 involved a previously announced memorandum of understanding with Maui Land & Pineapple Co.; negotiations also involve Kamehameha Schools and West Maui Land.
- Mayor Bissen confirmed existing county budget funds are available to cover the purchase price. (Hawaii News Now)
- West Maui farmer Eddy Garcia supported public ownership in principle but warned the aging, poorly maintained system could cost tens of millions more to repair beyond the $6 million purchase price. (Hawaii News Now)
- Separately, Uniqlo billionaire Tadashi Yanai — whose company TY Management owns the Kapalua golf courses at the center of West Maui’s water dispute — has offered to contribute $40 million toward rebuilding Maui’s aging water infrastructure. (Hawaii Business)
Sources
- Maui News: Bissen proposes county purchase of Launiupoko, Olowalu water assets
- Hawaii News Now: Mayor proposes $6M purchase of 2 West Maui water systems
- Maui County: Mayor Bissen announces proposal to purchase Launiupoko, Olowalu water assets for public trust
- Hawaii Business: Japan’s Richest Man Came to Maui for Golf. He Got a Water War Instead.
- Maui Recovers: News: Mayor Bissen announces proposal to purchase Launiupoko, Olowalu water assets for public trust
- Maui Now: Mayor Bissen announces $6M proposal to purchase Launiupoko, Olowalu water assets for public trust
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