The Kapalua Golf Course on Maui, known for hosting the PGA Tour's Tournament of Champions, will close for two months starting September 2 due to a water shortage linked to a legal dispute over water rights. Alex Nakajima, general manager of Kapalua Golf and Tennis, said, "That’s been painful to watch." The course has not received water since July 25. "However, the condition has changed last weekend, so we can water, irrigate at 60% from normal. So this gives us a good hope," Nakajima added, as reported by KHON2.
The financial impact of not holding the tournament could be large for the local economy, as the Sentry is estimated to bring in more than $48 million each year to Maui. Kapalua has hosted the event since 1999. "It's the PGA Tour's discussion, decision to make that with the Sentry Insurance. I mean, they’re an important partners," Nakajima said, according to KHON2. Recently, a water shortage has worsened course conditions, especially at the 18th hole.
The water dispute centers on the 11-mile Honokohau Stream and Ditch System, which provides irrigation to the Kapalua area and is said to have been neglected. Kapalua Golf’s owners have sued Maui Land & Pineapple, the company that owns the land where the water comes from, for not meeting water delivery agreements. Kapalua’s owner, Tadashi Yanai, along with homeowners and Hua Momona Farms, claim the shortage is due to the ditch system’s disrepair, not natural causes. The lawsuit states, "MLP has knowingly ... allowed the Ditch System to fall into a state of demonstrable disrepair," as mentioned by Hawaii Public Radio.
Kapalua is using minimal water and slow-releasing fertilizer and limiting visitors to help the course recover. The tournament has contributed nearly $10 million to local causes since 1999. "Certainly there’s a lot to be discussed," Nakajima said, referring to the PGA Tour, Sentry Insurance, and the resort. The goal is to restore Kapalua as a venue for the annual January event, as per KHON2.
