Multiple sources report that Mayor Richard Bissen has submitted a proposal to the Maui County Council to acquire water infrastructure from two private utilities in West Maui. If approved, the deal would significantly expand public control of the region’s drinking water systems, with implications for housing, agriculture, and emergency preparedness.
- Mayor Bissen submitted the proposal to Maui County Council on June 30, 2026, seeking approval to purchase water assets from Launiupoko Water and Olowalu Water companies for $6 million.
- Assets included in the deal: four potable wells, two non-potable shaft wells, tanks, reservoirs, booster pumps, ~16 miles of potable water mains, and ~3 miles of non-potable water mains.
- The acquisition would increase the county’s share of West Maui drinking water systems from 45% to 93%.
- Upon closing, the county would serve approximately 480 potable water customers and 72 non-potable water customers.
- Bissen cited affordable housing, agriculture, emergency preparedness, Native Hawaiian cultural practices, and environmental stewardship as key benefits of public ownership.
- This is the second phase of a broader water acquisition effort; an initial MOU with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. for its West Maui water infrastructure was announced May 18. (Spectrumlocalnews)
- Bissen first disclosed negotiations with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc., Kamehameha Schools, and West Maui Land during his State of the County Address in March. (Spectrumlocalnews)
Sources
- Spectrumlocalnews: Bissen seeks to expand county control of West Maui water assets
- Einpresswire: Mayor Bissen announces proposal to purchase Launiupoko, Olowalu water assets for public trust
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