South Maui Water System Near Capacity; County Eyes $53M Desalination Plant
Maui’s Central-South Maui water system is operating nearly at full capacity during dry months, prompting the county to explore a $53 million desalination plant in Kīhei. The project is in early planning stages and received a cautious reception from community members who want conservation measures prioritized first. The Central-South Maui water system delivers 26.79 billion […]
Maui County Eyes $6M Takeover of West Maui Private Water Systems
The Maui County Council has given preliminary approval to purchase private water infrastructure in West Maui from West Maui Land for $6 million. Supporters say public ownership will improve reliability, while some council members warn of potential long-term costs. Maui County Council granted preliminary approval to acquire West Maui Land’s water systems, which serve roughly […]
Selenium Detected in South Maui Water System, Levels Deemed Safe
Multiple sources, including Maui County and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, report that trace levels of selenium were detected for the first time in the Wailuku water system serving Māʻalaea, Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena. Health officials say the detected levels are well below federal and state safety limits and are unlikely to pose a public health risk. […]
Maui County Installs Solar Arrays on Water Reservoir Rooftops
Maui County’s water utility mounted solar panels on circular concrete reservoir rooftops at multiple sites to offset electricity costs, which account for a large share of water system operating expenses. The project required specialized engineering to avoid roof penetrations, manage ballast weight, and maintain inspection access. The County of Maui water utility installed 105–141 kW-DC […]
South Kīhei Road Near Kam II Beach Park Reopens Aug. 11, Ahead of Schedule
South Kīhei Road, closed since a March Kona Low caused major storm damage, will reopen to traffic on August 11, 2026 — earlier than the originally estimated fall completion date. The County used federal emergency funding to complete layered repairs to the roadway, drainage, waterline, and surrounding park area. South Kīhei Road near Kamaʻole II […]
Kahului Town Hall Aug. 12 to Cover Central Maui Plan & Hurricane Prep
Maui County Council Member Kauanoe Batangan is hosting a public town hall on August 12 in Kahului covering the updated Central Maui Community Plan and hurricane preparedness. The event begins at 6 p.m. at Kahului Elementary School and includes a Q&A session. The Central Maui Community Plan is a comprehensive 20-year update to the 2002 […]
South Kihei Road Near Kamaole II to Reopen Aug. 11, Ahead of Schedule
Maui County will reopen the storm-damaged stretch of South Kihei Road near Kamaole II Beach Park on August 11, 2026, earlier than the originally projected fall completion date. Repairs were federally funded and addressed damage to the roadway, drainage, waterline, and surrounding infrastructure caused by a March Kona low. South Kihei Road near Kamaole II […]
Piiholo Road Reopens After Temporary Closure
Maui County has lifted a road closure near 1775 Piiholo Road, and the roadway is now fully open. No further details about the cause of the closure were provided. The road closure near 1775 Piiholo Road on Maui has been resolved. Maui County confirmed the roadway is now open to traffic. No information was provided […]
Maui Council Sends Subdivision Water Review Bill Back for More Study
The Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee returned a bill to the Board of Water Supply that would allow concurrent review of subdivision construction plans before water availability is confirmed. Committee members and testifiers questioned whether the change is legally necessary, since the department may already have that flexibility. Bill 1 (2026) would let […]
Maui County Moves to Buy Two West Maui Water Systems for $6 Million
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 […]