Residents of East Maui, mark your calendars for the upcoming ʻAha Wai O Maui Hikina meeting, where water management and local engagement will be at the forefront of discussions. Set to take place on Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Keʻanae Uka, 13375 Hāna Highway, Keʻanae, this public forum offers a chance for citizens to directly influence and to get updates on the handling of their local water resources.
According to a Maui County announcement, those in attendance can expect to learn about various grant opportunities through the East Maui Water Authority (EMWA). The meeting will also recap the community engagement efforts from June's meetings. Dialogues from Keʻanae, Kula, and Haʻikū, carried out with the Public Finance Initiative, will help outline the direction for future discussions and feedback from the community is encouraged.
The EMWA, established via a vote to amend the Maui County Charter in November 2022, operates under the ʻAha Wai O Maui Hikina Board, reflecting the Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Honomanū, and Huelo communities. Since its inception in November 2024, EMWA has been actively developing watershed management plans and managing water systems, with an aim to ensure efficient, sustainable distribution. The department's approach emphasizes environmentally sustainable practices and leans heavily on local expertise, coupled with Hawaiian cultural and generational wisdom.
For those who want to stay abreast of the EMWA's progress, the meeting will provide an update, including details on the department's operations. Community participation is not only welcomed but encouraged, with attendees being urged to pose questions and offer insights into how the water resources in East Maui should be managed. Should you require more information or wish to prepare for the dialogues, you can reach out to Gina Young at [email protected].
