The ongoing saga of East Maui's water rights took another turn last week as the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) opted to pause its decision on the disposition of a water license. In a meeting rife with community input, the decision was pushed six months down the road, according to the DLNR report. The delay is meant to give stakeholders, who have been locked in disputes for decades over these precious resources, a chance to seek an accord.
Maui residents, guided by Mayor Richard Bissen, came out in force to plead with the BLNR for additional time to negotiate with agricultural company Mahi Pono. The depth of local passion was evident, with many advocating for a sustainable approach that considers both public and private interests. This dialogue is crucial, as Mahi Pono's current revocable permit for East Maui Irrigation is set to expire in December, a fact highlighted by BLNR Chair Dawn N.S. Chang. Chang underscored the "public trust duty to ensure that the Maui County Water Department continues to get water from the East Maui irrigation system to meet the needs of the upcountry Maui residents for drinking water and fire suppression," in a statement obtained by DLNR.
The struggle over East Maui's water supply is nothing new, with legal skirmishes dating back to the mid-1990s. Changes such as the final environmental impact statement, establishment of Interim Instream Flow Standards, the restoration of streams for loʻi kalo farming and native habitat, and the transition from sugar plantations to diverse agriculture have shown significant strides towards a balanced solution.
BLNR has postponed its decision on East Maui’s water permit to allow more time for community discussions. The board also withdrew 30,000 acres from the current revocable permit as stakeholders work to address the island’s water needs.
