The County of Maui and Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha have proposed an agreement to transfer the Launiupoko Irrigation Company system to public county ownership as part of West Maui’s ongoing recovery. The partnership aims to bring key water infrastructure under public trust to support housing, emergency response, and community rebuilding.
- Kamehameha Schools would transfer its option to acquire the Launiupoko Irrigation Company system to Maui County under the proposed deal.
- Mayor Bissen framed the move as an unprecedented shift toward public stewardship of West Maui water management.
- Kamehameha will retain control of the Kauaʻula surface water system to continue serving kuleana landowners and support area restoration.
- The agreement is intended to support Lahaina recovery priorities including housing, public safety, agriculture, and watershed restoration.
- The proposal builds on Kamehameha’s September 2025 acquisition of roughly 3,885 acres in West Maui that included access to the irrigation system.
Source: Mauirecovers
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