Maui County is negotiating a non-binding agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple to acquire key West Maui water infrastructure, which would increase public stewardship of the area’s drinking water from 45% to 93%. The County Council reviewed the memorandum of understanding but raised concerns about provisions linking the water purchase to zoning changes for housing development.
- A proposed deal with Maui Land & Pineapple would transfer the Honokōhau Ditch System, reservoirs, production wells, and an 8,661-acre watershed lease to public ownership.
- The agreement is currently non-binding; no final asset purchase contract has been signed.
- Council members pushed back on provisions that tie the water acquisition to zoning changes benefiting ML&P’s development plans.
- A separate $6 million proposal to acquire the smaller Launiupoko and Olowalu water systems has a follow-up budget hearing scheduled for August 4.
- Hawaii Water Service currently operates the systems under contract, serving homes, hotels, condos, and resort amenities in West Maui.
Source: Maui Now
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