The East Maui Water Authority (EMWA) has announced the first beneficiaries of its community grant program, providing funding to local initiatives aimed at preserving East Maui's water resources, cultural heritage, and environmental health. As reported by Maui County News, the new grant scheme awards five projects with a collective sum of $75,000, heralding the beginning of a concerted effort to support community engagement with the region's natural and cultural resources.
Information sessions that were held in Keʻanae, Haʻikū, and online effectively raised awareness of the grant program, laying down an avenue for Maui residents and organizations to showcase their dedication to water stewardship. According to a statement obtained by Maui County News, EMWA Director Gina Young expressed how the application process revealed "the diverse ways Maui Hikina communities are caring for wai, our freshwater resources," and pointed towards the potential for "increased support, resource-sharing and collaboration."
Among the grantees, East Maui Farm received top funding, being awarded $20,000 for its Honomanū Lo‘i initiative. Under the guidance of Nāpua Hūʻeu, this venture will track the health of streams and shorelines, measure the effects of ongoing water diversions and drought, and document ecological benefits stemming from revitalized stream flow and enlargement of wetland kalo patches. Another $20,000 has been allocated to Nā Moku ʻAupuni ‘O Ko‘olau Hui, where Jessie-Ellen Kekiwi-Aweau leads efforts to renovate historical lo‘i and ‘auwai (traditional irrigation systems) that maintain Keʻanae’s status as a vital wetland taro-growing area.
Supporting projects with an educational slant, Friends of Twin Falls secured $19,000 for its Kupu Wai o Ho‘olawa program. Described by EMWA, the program assembles students, cultural experts, and scientists to delve into the Ho‘olawa Hydrological Unit through experiential learning, serving as a testament to community and youth engagement in resource management. Corinne Okada Takara's Okada Design has earned $8,000 for a storytelling initiative that blends lauhala weaving with digital platforms, and Kahu ʻĀina: Earth Guardian Network, led by Liana Murillo, garnered an identical figure to bolster 'Ōhiʻa Lehua Waihonua, '' an outdoor education program," Young thanked those who submitted applications for this year’s round of grants and encouraged interested applicants to stay connected and apply for future funding opportunities in 2026, according to Maui County News.
For further details, interested parties can reach the East Maui Water Authority via phone at (808) 793-9785 or through email at [email protected].
