The freshly minted East Maui Water Authority (EMWA) is gearing up to host a slate of events aimed at engaging the community in watershed and water resource planning discussions, according to a recent announcement. From the fertile taro fields of Na Moku Aupuni o Ko'olau Hui to the trickling streams at Makapipi, locals are invited to engage in this fact-finding and planning saga happening between June 16 and June 18 this year.
Here's what's on tap: a field trip to scenic natural spots and a pow-wow in the evening of June 16 where the public can chime in on issues concerning East Maui’s watershed and water systems, these gatherings, as part of a collaboration with the Kula and Ha'ikū Community Associations and the nonprofit Public Finance Initiative, boast more than just talk, there's lunch too, but remember, it's an invite-only affair so you'd need to shoot an email to [email protected] to snag a spot.
For those of you looking to get into the nitty-gritty of public finance vis-à-vis water projects, clear your schedule on June 17 for a panel presentation, open for in-person attendance or digital drop-ins via Webex—with full details and the connection points available on the Maui County website. There's a Kula community meeting later the same day for a deep dive into resource management, specifically geared toward residents, farmers, and policy mavens of Upcountry.
Wrapping up the trio of days, on June 18, the Ha'ikū community gathers for a dialog on managing their watersheds and surface water demands—a pressing topic for residents of Ha'ikū and Huelo; not to be missed if you're directly affected or simply have stakes in the game. Strategically taking place at the Ha'ikū Community Center, it's another free event, designed to let voices from the community resonate and potentially influence the area's water future.
Let's not forget, the EMWA didn't just spring from the fertile ground—it was willed into existence by the vote of the people in 2022 and the ʻAha Wai o Maui Hikina Regional Community Board, they played the role of kingmaker by appointing Gina Young as its maiden director on October 25, 2024, according to details shared by Maui County. If your thirst for information isn't quenched yet, reach out to EMWA directly through their email for the 411 on these upcoming events or just the EMWA itself.
