The Hawaii state land department is opposing Maui County’s effort to take control of the East Maui Irrigation system, which supplies water across the island. The state is instead proposing to retain oversight and issue a 30-year water license to large farming operation Mahi Pono.
- Maui County sought state approval to negotiate a takeover of the East Maui Irrigation system and unify water distribution under county control.
- The state land department is blocking the county’s plan and is proposing — for the fourth time — to auction Mahi Pono a 30-year license for up to 89 million gallons of water per day.
- Mayor Richard Bissen supports county control, arguing local officials better understand Maui’s water needs than state administrators.
- Traditional water users and the Sierra Club oppose the state’s proposal, with the Sierra Club warning of further litigation if it moves forward.
- The Office of Hawaiian Affairs has sided with the county, while Mahi Pono argues state oversight better serves the system’s management.
Source: Hawaii News Now
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