Multiple news outlets reported that a Maui County Council committee voted 7-1 on Tuesday to advance a resolution authorizing the county to spend up to $6 million to acquire two privately owned water systems in West Maui. The measure, which covers the Launiupoko and Olowalu water systems south of Lahaina, now heads to the full Council before potentially going to the state Public Utilities Commission for final review.
- The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee approved Resolution 26-116, authorizing the county’s Department of Water Supply to acquire the Launiupoko and Olowalu water systems serving approximately 480 customers
- The acquisition would include wells, reservoirs, booster pumps, pipelines, and easements from the two privately owned companies (Maui Now)
- The $6 million price does not include closing costs; Council authorization is required because the purchase exceeds $250,000 under Maui County Code (Maui Now)
- Council Chair Alice Lee cast the lone ‘no’ vote, citing concerns about financial viability and potential hidden maintenance, repair, and upgrade costs
- If passed by the full Council, the resolution must go to the state Public Utilities Commission for review before the sale can close (Maui Now)
- Mayor Richard Bissen has said his broader water acquisition plans — including assets at the Honokōhau Ditch System — would bring publicly controlled water systems from roughly 25% up to 65% (Hawaii Public Radio)
- Council Member Tamara Paltin noted that West Maui currently has only 28% public water control, with residents pushing for greater public ownership at packed Commission on Water Resource Management meetings (Maui Now)
Sources
- Hawaii Public Radio: Maui lawmakers moving ahead with acquisitions of water systems
- Maui Now: Maui Council committee votes 7-1 to recommend $6 million purchase of West Maui water systems
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