GREAT-10(2) COUNCIL-INITIATED CHARTER AMENDMENTS (RESOLUTION 22-119, CHARTER PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH THE EAST MAUI COMMUNITY WATER AUTHORITY) (GREAT-10(2))
Charter amendments These are important amendments that will benefit Maui Residents.
Please consider implementing the amendments for an East Maui Planning Commission and an East Maui Water Authority. These will have a positive impact on East Maui in agriculture community agency.
Mahalo,
Mike Gagne
Door of Faith Road
Huelo
The establishment of this community water authority is an important step towards restoring community based management of our resources and bringing stewardship back into the hands of the people of Maui.
Aloha Chair Molina and Members of the GREAT Committee:
I apologize for not being available this morning to testify on this important matter concerning East Maui waters and our community. Na Moku Aupuni o Ko'olau Hui is very much in support of placing the question on the next General Election ballot to establish the East Maui Community Water Authority.
I participated in the APT committee meeting on May 24th and heard some of the concerns raised. I would like to share some of my thoughts with you.
First, we must recognize and acknowledge the residents of the area in question. They know the mountains, waters, streams, etc. the best. They were born and raised in Ke'anae/Wailuanui, and the cultural knowledge and history were passed down from our kupuna. Each day I spend with Na Moku board members, my ohana and the residents of Ke'anae/Wailuanui my respect grows even bigger. I have such admiration for them and I repeat myself all the time that "I'm going to be smart like them one day". Our people are familiar with every inch of the mountains and can identify each area, stream, etc. How many have that knowledge?
A question was posed regarding the challenges in the past acquiring residents from East Maui to participate on County boards, commissions and committees and how will this be accomplished? I would like to address that. In the past, our government has turned their backs to the people of East Maui and did not help when 100% of the East Maui waters were diverted leaving our people and taro fields dry for extended periods of time. The farmers of Ke'anae/Wailuanui were hurting for years with no water to continue their farming. No product to produce - no taro to sell, no poi to be made, no income to their families. So, they had no trust in the government and would not participate in any of it. Well, we have come a long way and we will no longer be left behind. We are going to be heard, continue to request to have "seats at the table", and continue to request to be a part of decision making. This is our community and our people should always be included in all matters concerning East Maui and East Maui waters.
At today's meeting, a question was posed to Na Moku President Jerome Kekiwi about the position of the Administrator. At this time, we support the language as written "appointed by the mayor with the approval of the Council". It is important to Na Moku that the Council approves the appointment.
I invite all of you to come to Ke'anae and Wailuanui and experience the beauty of our area and our people. You will be amazed by their knowledge, skills and way of life. Sometimes it's difficult for our people to speak up and share their mana'o when it is not comfortable for them. Na Moku board members amaze me every day. Each one is committed and give 100%. I feel truly blessed to be a part of Na Moku and mahalo my kupuna, Uncle Eddie Wendt, Jerome Kekiwi, my brother Bush Martin and everyone else that never gave up. They continued to educate and provide me with information as to what was happening in our community until I got it!
I am very open to meet with anyone that need more information or need clarification on anything I have stated.
I support the proposed charter amendment for the establishment of an East Maui Community Water Authority. Please allow the citizens to vote on it!
Ken & Karen Stover
490 Mikioi Place
Kihei, HI
Michael J. Molina, Chair
Government Relations, Ethics, and Transparency Committee
Maui County Council
200 S. High Street
Wailuku, Hawai’i 96793
Dear Chair Molina and Committee Members:
SUBJECT: COUNCIL-INITIATED CHARTER AMENDMENTS (RESOLUTION 22-119, CHARTER PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH THE EAST MAUI COMMUNITY WATER AUTHORITY) (GREAT-10(2))
I apologize for not being available this morning to testify on this important matter concerning East Maui waters and our community. Na Moku Aupuni o Ko’olau Hui is very much in support of placing the question on the next General Election ballot to establish the East Maui Water Authority.
I participated in the APT committee meeting on May 24th and heard some of the concerns raised. I want to share some of my thoughts with you.
First, we must recognize and acknowledge the residents of the area in question. They know the mountains, waters, streams, etc. the best. They were born and raised in Ke’anae/Wailuanui, and the cultural knowledge and history were passed down from our kupuna. Each day I spend with Na Moku board members, my ohana and the residents of Ke’anae/Wailuanui my respect grows even bigger. I have such admiration for them, and I repeat myself all the time that “I’m going to be smart like them one day.” Our people are familiar with every inch of the mountains and can identify each area, stream, etc. How many have that knowledge?
A question was posed regarding the challenges in the past acquiring residents from East Maui to participate on County boards, commissions and committees and how will this be accomplished in creating this water authority. I would like to address that. In the past, our government has turned their backs to the people of East Maui and did not help when 100% of the East Maui waters were diverted leaving our people and taro fields dry for extended periods of time. The farmers of Ke’anae/Wailuanui were hurting for years with no water to continue farming. No product to produce – no taro to sell, no poi to be made and eat, no income for their families. They had no trust in the government and would not participate in any of it. We have come a long way and will no longer be left behind. We are going to be heard, continue to request to have “seats at the table,” and continue to request to be a part of decision making. This is our community, and our people should always be included in all matters concerning East Maui and East Maui waters.
At today’s committee meeting, a question was posed to Na Moku President Jerome Kekiwi about the position of the Administrator and if Na Moku supports the language as written. At this time, we support the language as written “appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council.” It is important to Na Moku that the Council approves the appointment.
I invite all of you to come to Ke’anae and Wailuanui and experience the beauty of our area and our people. You will be amazed by their knowledge, skills, and way of life. Sometimes it is difficult for our people to speak up and share their mana’o when it is not comfortable for them. Na Moku board members amaze me every day. Each one is committed and give 100%. I feel truly blessed to be a part of Na Moku and a lineal descendant of Ke’anae/Wailuanui. I mahalo my kupuna, Uncle Eddie Wendt, Jerome Kekiwi Jr, my brother Bush Martin, and everyone else that never gave up. They continued to educate and provide me with information as to what was happening in our community until I got it!
I am open to meet and “talk story” with anyone that need more information or clarification on anything that I have stated.
Mahalo for taking the time to read my testimony.
Aloha,
Amanda M. Martin
Administrative Assistant
Na Moku Aupuni o Ko'olau Hui
My name is Napua Hueu, and I am a lifelong resident and generational taro farmer of East Maui. I am in support of this resolution as is, which would include representation from the Honomanu lease area. Historically this middle lying area between Keanae and Kailua has gone largely disregarded despite the fact that it was among the largest habitated areas in East Maui in ancient times. There is still active human life and habitation in East Makaiwa ahupuaa where lineal descendants of this area known as Wahinepee (Waikamoi), still reside. The postal address of this area can be identified as 10301 Hana Hwy. Many of the generational residents who live here at 10301 Hana Hwy. are part of our farming initiatives in the neighboring Honomanu ahupuaa. In more modern history, the residents of Wahinepee would farm in the Honomanu ahupuaa and that is still happening today due to the fact that the State of Hawaii DLNR, A&B and EMI have locked Wahinepee residents out of the Mauka region where they traditionally farmed in the area known as loiloa. The residents of Wahinepee rely on the Honomanu ahupuaa coastal farming region to serve their agricultural needs in lieu of not having clear Mauka access at this time.
Honomanu Ahupua’a is the largest stream in East Maui, and East Makaiwa Ahupuaa is where the primary intersection of the entire water system is located. I will state here that Honomau Ahupuaa (point of contact Napua Hueu, alicianapua@gmail.com) and East Makaiwa Ahupuaa (point of contact Jesse Nakooka, jessenakookaemakaiwa@gmail.com) which have been in organizational alliance since January of 2019 do not share the same perspective as neighboring larger leasehold areas such as Keanae and Wailuanui ahupuaa. The dynamics of our ahupuaa are very different and the tenancy share differing opinions on water management from that of the mainstream non-profit views of the Wailua Nui ahupuaa that has overreached its represented jurisdiction in past and made regional water management decisions for our smaller taro farming ahupuaa without our knowledge or full consent. It is important that the Honomanu ahupuaa have its own specific representation on the East Maui Water Authority to ensure that the concerns of the Honomanu and East Makaiwa ahupuaa are accounted for as there is active taro patch farming as well as human life and habitation here in the Honomanu lease area.
In further I wanted to note that East Maui Irrigation does not deserve a place on the board of the East Maui Water Authority. Had they been managing the water diversion with responsibility to the ecology and people of Maui of over the course of their authority tenure, we would not be here needing to establish an East Maui Water Authority to straighten out the mess that they created.
Exhibits attached are proof of indigenous agriculture and native tenancy in Honomanu ahupuaa and East Makaiwa ahupuaa which are part of the Honomanu water lease area. Please do not disregard our existence and our contributions to local food security which could be amplified with the rightful return of adequate stream flow to our ahupuaa.
Water is life. As global warming gets worse water will become the most precious valuable resource on Earth. I support the establishment of the East Maui Community Water Authority. We need to be sure a for profit corporation is not in control of such a precious resource. We need to be sure there is public accountability and transparency around water. We need to ensure our water infrastructure supports conservation. We need public control and accountability as to the use of our water infrastructure to ensure the protection and proper use of water.
Aloha kākou, my name is Lu'ukia Nakanelua. Mahalo piha to this Committee and their staff for hearing me on this critical issue that affects our present and future generations.
I am a mo'o (lineal descendant) of the original proprietors and current tenants of the ahupua'a of Wailuanui, Maui. My 'ohana and I are in SUPPORT of RESOLUTION 22-119 because it will directly impact the planning and allocation of water resources my 'ohana and our Maui Hikina community's Native Hawaiian ("Maoli") rights to our traditional and customary farming and subsistence practices-all of which are protected under our relevant state and county laws. Our 'ohana have farmed kalo and various sustainable crops since ancient times, mauka to makai, along the auwai and lo'i kalo
of the Ko'olau moku, and into the muliwai (estuaries) where waters from the lo'i system discharge and feed the ocean.
The establishment of this community water authority is an important step towards restoring community based management of our resources and bringing stewardship back into the hands of the people of Maui. As part of the collective memory of injustice surrounding the water war on Maui, freshwater from Maui Hikina has been controlled by large scale agriculture, with now decrepit plantation infrastructure leading to wasted water. Plantations and their commercial successors used the lion's share of available water to irrigate their mono-crops, leaving local farmers, Hawaiian Homestead beneficiaries, watershed ecosystems, and Kānaka Maoli communities without adequate access and connection to our water resources.
We believe that RESOLUTION 22-119 carves out a way forward in operationalizing your public trust duties as political subdivisions of the State, in ensuring a future where quality land and cultural/natural resources will continue to be available not only to Kānaka Maoli but also to our Maui County community at large. This is an incredible opportunity for a return to Maui Kuhinia, Maui the land of abundance--a model for the rest of the state and possibly on the international stage.
Please allow RESOLUTION 22-119 to weave a pono way back to our connection and access to Kāneikawaiola, our life giving waters.
Mahalo nunui.
I am in strong support of charter amendment to establish an East Maui water authority. People of East Maui need a voice in how our water is used/steward. Too many years of abuse and misuse by big corporations. Also I hope the people of East Maui will be the ones to choose/ vote for who will sit on community board of this water authority.
Mahalo Nui
Lezley Jacintho
Aloha
I am Michael J Duberstein. I reside at 34 Iliwai Loop in Kihei and have been a Maui resident/voter since 2005 when Jeanne and I moved here from Takoma Park, Maryland—although we have been coming to Maui since 1982 and owned our home since 1997 when we began our retirement plans and rented it to working families using long-term agreements.
I serve on the board of Akaku Maui Community Media and the Maui Tomorrow Foundation and have volunteered for many events and organizations.
In addition, from 2008 to 2014, I served as the Chair of District Eleven (South Maui) of the Hawaii Democratic Party.
I have been able to do so because I am retired only in terms of my active career as an economist, my final 25 years as Director of Research for the National Football League Players Association.
I am not bragging but more simply pointing out that individual citizens can take part directly in the affairs of their communities.
And, more to the point, both of these pending Charter Amendments, when enacted, will involve many more of our fellow citizens in the decisions that relate to our everyday lives.
You all know what these Amendments can and will do.
I don’t have to list every plus and detail.
These Charter Amendments are important and well-needed.
Do your part today!
Advance their progress.
Mahalo.
Michael J Duberstein
34 Iliwai Loop
Kihei 96753
891-0597
Aloha Good Morning, thank you for this much needed amendment for this all important issue of water! Yes please let us island residents vote for local control ! I am live and work off grid on water catchment in Huelo where we just had a meeting of 40 people all concerned about this issue. Although not on stream diversion yet, with the unpredictability of climate change and many dry spells we need the control of this important resource for our many residents.
I want to add that I joined a neighbor crew of farm workers that went to Mahi Pono for a community work day and we planted many of the ulu and citrus in that field. We worked to the end and met a few of the managers and Tiare Lawrence. It was a really good work day and it changed my attitude towards them. I want Mahi Pono to succeed as a farming company and to have the water they need to grow food especially if it’s for the island.
However I want them to be responsible and accountable in their water usage. I have heard numbers of enormous waste, over what they actually use, Millions of gallons unaccounted for. What is going on? Are they water banking and is this even legal when so many island residents are suffering under water shortage or waiting for meter? The idea that a foreign corporation has a thirty year lease seems incredibly irresponsible to us. Even you council members only get two years.
Please pass this amendment so we can vote in November. We need accountability and transparency in our precious water resource. Mahalo Council Sinenci and all Council for your time and attention,
Amy Chang, educator and 40 year resident.
Aloha mai, please find my attached testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of resolution 22-119 for a charter amendment to establish an East Maui Community Water Authority. Mahalo!
I support the proposed charter amendment for the establishment of the East Maui Community Water Authority – Maui County’s people deserve a chance to learn more about the proposal, and a pathway to move towards the restoration of community-based resource management and land stewardship.
The most important reason for this is to keep control of our water in the hands of Maui citizens and not under control of a Canadian pension fund.
The second most important reason is to seize the opportunity to control this water and use it for all in a fair manner, addressing distribution and maintenance needs. A public utility will allow access to all the federal monies for infrastructure.
This form of water administration is the future. For all of Maui.
I strongly support resolution 22-119 East Maui community water Authority. It is very important to have this stewardship over any foreign and or for-profit corporation.
We must protect our natural resources that greatly impact us here on East Maui & all of Hawaii.
I firmly believe the County of Maui needs to take this vital step towards securing long term water management & become independent from dependency of private, commercial & 3rd party operators who are NOT committed to the integrity of conserving our natural resources.
The East Maui water Authority would uphold ethical water management & true Aloha Aina!
Water is a community resource and should be shared and protected by the people in that community. We need more oversight and intention around such a precious resource. It should be in the hands of the people who steward the lands where the water flows not by foreign corporations. Hawaiian waters in Hawaiian hands.
As a farm manager and resident in East Maui it is so clear and important to me that residents and experts should have control and make the decisions on water for our island moving forward. That is why I am in strong support of Resolution 22-119 to establish the East Maui Water Authority. In March 2021 we had one of the biggest flood events on the island followed by an incredibly dry winter this past season in 2022. Hanehoi stream came to a complete stop for a few days in February, which is on record our average wettest month. We don't know what the future holds but with climate uncertainty it is not a time to give long term control of our most important resource to a single company or entity and expect them to have the islands best interest in mind and to manage all of the complexities of East Maui's watershed completely and effectively to ensure the health of our communities and ecosystems. This Charter amendment is a necessary step towards managing our water for the best of all. I want Mahi Pono to still get adequate water to ensure their farming and success in the central valley but it is not the right decision for the island to give a 30 year lease at this point. I am in strong support of this charter and taking this essential step to managing our resources collectively and intelligently.
Joe Barrett, Farm Manager
Huelo Resident along Hanehoi stream
Charter amendments These are important amendments that will benefit Maui Residents.
Please consider implementing the amendments for an East Maui Planning Commission and an East Maui Water Authority. These will have a positive impact on East Maui in agriculture community agency.
Mahalo,
Mike Gagne
Door of Faith Road
Huelo
Secure water for Maui without foreign or domestic control. It should be local control.
The establishment of this community water authority is an important step towards restoring community based management of our resources and bringing stewardship back into the hands of the people of Maui.
Aloha Chair Molina and Members of the GREAT Committee:
I apologize for not being available this morning to testify on this important matter concerning East Maui waters and our community. Na Moku Aupuni o Ko'olau Hui is very much in support of placing the question on the next General Election ballot to establish the East Maui Community Water Authority.
I participated in the APT committee meeting on May 24th and heard some of the concerns raised. I would like to share some of my thoughts with you.
First, we must recognize and acknowledge the residents of the area in question. They know the mountains, waters, streams, etc. the best. They were born and raised in Ke'anae/Wailuanui, and the cultural knowledge and history were passed down from our kupuna. Each day I spend with Na Moku board members, my ohana and the residents of Ke'anae/Wailuanui my respect grows even bigger. I have such admiration for them and I repeat myself all the time that "I'm going to be smart like them one day". Our people are familiar with every inch of the mountains and can identify each area, stream, etc. How many have that knowledge?
A question was posed regarding the challenges in the past acquiring residents from East Maui to participate on County boards, commissions and committees and how will this be accomplished? I would like to address that. In the past, our government has turned their backs to the people of East Maui and did not help when 100% of the East Maui waters were diverted leaving our people and taro fields dry for extended periods of time. The farmers of Ke'anae/Wailuanui were hurting for years with no water to continue their farming. No product to produce - no taro to sell, no poi to be made, no income to their families. So, they had no trust in the government and would not participate in any of it. Well, we have come a long way and we will no longer be left behind. We are going to be heard, continue to request to have "seats at the table", and continue to request to be a part of decision making. This is our community and our people should always be included in all matters concerning East Maui and East Maui waters.
At today's meeting, a question was posed to Na Moku President Jerome Kekiwi about the position of the Administrator. At this time, we support the language as written "appointed by the mayor with the approval of the Council". It is important to Na Moku that the Council approves the appointment.
I invite all of you to come to Ke'anae and Wailuanui and experience the beauty of our area and our people. You will be amazed by their knowledge, skills and way of life. Sometimes it's difficult for our people to speak up and share their mana'o when it is not comfortable for them. Na Moku board members amaze me every day. Each one is committed and give 100%. I feel truly blessed to be a part of Na Moku and mahalo my kupuna, Uncle Eddie Wendt, Jerome Kekiwi, my brother Bush Martin and everyone else that never gave up. They continued to educate and provide me with information as to what was happening in our community until I got it!
I am very open to meet with anyone that need more information or need clarification on anything I have stated.
Mahalo for taking the time to read my email.
--
Mahalo,
Amanda Martin
Administrative Assistant
Email: namoku13375@gmail.com
Phone: (808) 248-4401
Cell: (808) 280-1990
www.namoku.net
I support the proposed charter amendment for the establishment of an East Maui Community Water Authority. Please allow the citizens to vote on it!
Ken & Karen Stover
490 Mikioi Place
Kihei, HI
June 7, 2021
Michael J. Molina, Chair
Government Relations, Ethics, and Transparency Committee
Maui County Council
200 S. High Street
Wailuku, Hawai’i 96793
Dear Chair Molina and Committee Members:
SUBJECT: COUNCIL-INITIATED CHARTER AMENDMENTS (RESOLUTION 22-119, CHARTER PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH THE EAST MAUI COMMUNITY WATER AUTHORITY) (GREAT-10(2))
I apologize for not being available this morning to testify on this important matter concerning East Maui waters and our community. Na Moku Aupuni o Ko’olau Hui is very much in support of placing the question on the next General Election ballot to establish the East Maui Water Authority.
I participated in the APT committee meeting on May 24th and heard some of the concerns raised. I want to share some of my thoughts with you.
First, we must recognize and acknowledge the residents of the area in question. They know the mountains, waters, streams, etc. the best. They were born and raised in Ke’anae/Wailuanui, and the cultural knowledge and history were passed down from our kupuna. Each day I spend with Na Moku board members, my ohana and the residents of Ke’anae/Wailuanui my respect grows even bigger. I have such admiration for them, and I repeat myself all the time that “I’m going to be smart like them one day.” Our people are familiar with every inch of the mountains and can identify each area, stream, etc. How many have that knowledge?
A question was posed regarding the challenges in the past acquiring residents from East Maui to participate on County boards, commissions and committees and how will this be accomplished in creating this water authority. I would like to address that. In the past, our government has turned their backs to the people of East Maui and did not help when 100% of the East Maui waters were diverted leaving our people and taro fields dry for extended periods of time. The farmers of Ke’anae/Wailuanui were hurting for years with no water to continue farming. No product to produce – no taro to sell, no poi to be made and eat, no income for their families. They had no trust in the government and would not participate in any of it. We have come a long way and will no longer be left behind. We are going to be heard, continue to request to have “seats at the table,” and continue to request to be a part of decision making. This is our community, and our people should always be included in all matters concerning East Maui and East Maui waters.
At today’s committee meeting, a question was posed to Na Moku President Jerome Kekiwi about the position of the Administrator and if Na Moku supports the language as written. At this time, we support the language as written “appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the Council.” It is important to Na Moku that the Council approves the appointment.
I invite all of you to come to Ke’anae and Wailuanui and experience the beauty of our area and our people. You will be amazed by their knowledge, skills, and way of life. Sometimes it is difficult for our people to speak up and share their mana’o when it is not comfortable for them. Na Moku board members amaze me every day. Each one is committed and give 100%. I feel truly blessed to be a part of Na Moku and a lineal descendant of Ke’anae/Wailuanui. I mahalo my kupuna, Uncle Eddie Wendt, Jerome Kekiwi Jr, my brother Bush Martin, and everyone else that never gave up. They continued to educate and provide me with information as to what was happening in our community until I got it!
I am open to meet and “talk story” with anyone that need more information or clarification on anything that I have stated.
Mahalo for taking the time to read my testimony.
Aloha,
Amanda M. Martin
Administrative Assistant
Na Moku Aupuni o Ko'olau Hui
Testimony in Support of Resolution 22-119
My name is Napua Hueu, and I am a lifelong resident and generational taro farmer of East Maui. I am in support of this resolution as is, which would include representation from the Honomanu lease area. Historically this middle lying area between Keanae and Kailua has gone largely disregarded despite the fact that it was among the largest habitated areas in East Maui in ancient times. There is still active human life and habitation in East Makaiwa ahupuaa where lineal descendants of this area known as Wahinepee (Waikamoi), still reside. The postal address of this area can be identified as 10301 Hana Hwy. Many of the generational residents who live here at 10301 Hana Hwy. are part of our farming initiatives in the neighboring Honomanu ahupuaa. In more modern history, the residents of Wahinepee would farm in the Honomanu ahupuaa and that is still happening today due to the fact that the State of Hawaii DLNR, A&B and EMI have locked Wahinepee residents out of the Mauka region where they traditionally farmed in the area known as loiloa. The residents of Wahinepee rely on the Honomanu ahupuaa coastal farming region to serve their agricultural needs in lieu of not having clear Mauka access at this time.
Honomanu Ahupua’a is the largest stream in East Maui, and East Makaiwa Ahupuaa is where the primary intersection of the entire water system is located. I will state here that Honomau Ahupuaa (point of contact Napua Hueu, alicianapua@gmail.com) and East Makaiwa Ahupuaa (point of contact Jesse Nakooka, jessenakookaemakaiwa@gmail.com) which have been in organizational alliance since January of 2019 do not share the same perspective as neighboring larger leasehold areas such as Keanae and Wailuanui ahupuaa. The dynamics of our ahupuaa are very different and the tenancy share differing opinions on water management from that of the mainstream non-profit views of the Wailua Nui ahupuaa that has overreached its represented jurisdiction in past and made regional water management decisions for our smaller taro farming ahupuaa without our knowledge or full consent. It is important that the Honomanu ahupuaa have its own specific representation on the East Maui Water Authority to ensure that the concerns of the Honomanu and East Makaiwa ahupuaa are accounted for as there is active taro patch farming as well as human life and habitation here in the Honomanu lease area.
In further I wanted to note that East Maui Irrigation does not deserve a place on the board of the East Maui Water Authority. Had they been managing the water diversion with responsibility to the ecology and people of Maui of over the course of their authority tenure, we would not be here needing to establish an East Maui Water Authority to straighten out the mess that they created.
Exhibits attached are proof of indigenous agriculture and native tenancy in Honomanu ahupuaa and East Makaiwa ahupuaa which are part of the Honomanu water lease area. Please do not disregard our existence and our contributions to local food security which could be amplified with the rightful return of adequate stream flow to our ahupuaa.
Mahalo, Napua Hueu
Water is life. As global warming gets worse water will become the most precious valuable resource on Earth. I support the establishment of the East Maui Community Water Authority. We need to be sure a for profit corporation is not in control of such a precious resource. We need to be sure there is public accountability and transparency around water. We need to ensure our water infrastructure supports conservation. We need public control and accountability as to the use of our water infrastructure to ensure the protection and proper use of water.
Aloha kākou, my name is Lu'ukia Nakanelua. Mahalo piha to this Committee and their staff for hearing me on this critical issue that affects our present and future generations.
I am a mo'o (lineal descendant) of the original proprietors and current tenants of the ahupua'a of Wailuanui, Maui. My 'ohana and I are in SUPPORT of RESOLUTION 22-119 because it will directly impact the planning and allocation of water resources my 'ohana and our Maui Hikina community's Native Hawaiian ("Maoli") rights to our traditional and customary farming and subsistence practices-all of which are protected under our relevant state and county laws. Our 'ohana have farmed kalo and various sustainable crops since ancient times, mauka to makai, along the auwai and lo'i kalo
of the Ko'olau moku, and into the muliwai (estuaries) where waters from the lo'i system discharge and feed the ocean.
The establishment of this community water authority is an important step towards restoring community based management of our resources and bringing stewardship back into the hands of the people of Maui. As part of the collective memory of injustice surrounding the water war on Maui, freshwater from Maui Hikina has been controlled by large scale agriculture, with now decrepit plantation infrastructure leading to wasted water. Plantations and their commercial successors used the lion's share of available water to irrigate their mono-crops, leaving local farmers, Hawaiian Homestead beneficiaries, watershed ecosystems, and Kānaka Maoli communities without adequate access and connection to our water resources.
We believe that RESOLUTION 22-119 carves out a way forward in operationalizing your public trust duties as political subdivisions of the State, in ensuring a future where quality land and cultural/natural resources will continue to be available not only to Kānaka Maoli but also to our Maui County community at large. This is an incredible opportunity for a return to Maui Kuhinia, Maui the land of abundance--a model for the rest of the state and possibly on the international stage.
Please allow RESOLUTION 22-119 to weave a pono way back to our connection and access to Kāneikawaiola, our life giving waters.
Mahalo nunui.
I am in strong support of charter amendment to establish an East Maui water authority. People of East Maui need a voice in how our water is used/steward. Too many years of abuse and misuse by big corporations. Also I hope the people of East Maui will be the ones to choose/ vote for who will sit on community board of this water authority.
Mahalo Nui
Lezley Jacintho
Aloha
I am Michael J Duberstein. I reside at 34 Iliwai Loop in Kihei and have been a Maui resident/voter since 2005 when Jeanne and I moved here from Takoma Park, Maryland—although we have been coming to Maui since 1982 and owned our home since 1997 when we began our retirement plans and rented it to working families using long-term agreements.
I serve on the board of Akaku Maui Community Media and the Maui Tomorrow Foundation and have volunteered for many events and organizations.
In addition, from 2008 to 2014, I served as the Chair of District Eleven (South Maui) of the Hawaii Democratic Party.
I have been able to do so because I am retired only in terms of my active career as an economist, my final 25 years as Director of Research for the National Football League Players Association.
I am not bragging but more simply pointing out that individual citizens can take part directly in the affairs of their communities.
And, more to the point, both of these pending Charter Amendments, when enacted, will involve many more of our fellow citizens in the decisions that relate to our everyday lives.
You all know what these Amendments can and will do.
I don’t have to list every plus and detail.
These Charter Amendments are important and well-needed.
Do your part today!
Advance their progress.
Mahalo.
Michael J Duberstein
34 Iliwai Loop
Kihei 96753
891-0597
Aloha Good Morning, thank you for this much needed amendment for this all important issue of water! Yes please let us island residents vote for local control ! I am live and work off grid on water catchment in Huelo where we just had a meeting of 40 people all concerned about this issue. Although not on stream diversion yet, with the unpredictability of climate change and many dry spells we need the control of this important resource for our many residents.
I want to add that I joined a neighbor crew of farm workers that went to Mahi Pono for a community work day and we planted many of the ulu and citrus in that field. We worked to the end and met a few of the managers and Tiare Lawrence. It was a really good work day and it changed my attitude towards them. I want Mahi Pono to succeed as a farming company and to have the water they need to grow food especially if it’s for the island.
However I want them to be responsible and accountable in their water usage. I have heard numbers of enormous waste, over what they actually use, Millions of gallons unaccounted for. What is going on? Are they water banking and is this even legal when so many island residents are suffering under water shortage or waiting for meter? The idea that a foreign corporation has a thirty year lease seems incredibly irresponsible to us. Even you council members only get two years.
Please pass this amendment so we can vote in November. We need accountability and transparency in our precious water resource. Mahalo Council Sinenci and all Council for your time and attention,
Amy Chang, educator and 40 year resident.
Aloha mai, please find my attached testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of resolution 22-119 for a charter amendment to establish an East Maui Community Water Authority. Mahalo!
I strongly support East Maui water Authority!
We need to keep the integrity of our islands natural recourses.
I support the proposed charter amendment for the establishment of the East Maui Community Water Authority – Maui County’s people deserve a chance to learn more about the proposal, and a pathway to move towards the restoration of community-based resource management and land stewardship.
The most important reason for this is to keep control of our water in the hands of Maui citizens and not under control of a Canadian pension fund.
The second most important reason is to seize the opportunity to control this water and use it for all in a fair manner, addressing distribution and maintenance needs. A public utility will allow access to all the federal monies for infrastructure.
This form of water administration is the future. For all of Maui.
I strongly support resolution 22-119 East Maui community water Authority. It is very important to have this stewardship over any foreign and or for-profit corporation.
We must protect our natural resources that greatly impact us here on East Maui & all of Hawaii.
I firmly believe the County of Maui needs to take this vital step towards securing long term water management & become independent from dependency of private, commercial & 3rd party operators who are NOT committed to the integrity of conserving our natural resources.
The East Maui water Authority would uphold ethical water management & true Aloha Aina!
Water is a community resource and should be shared and protected by the people in that community. We need more oversight and intention around such a precious resource. It should be in the hands of the people who steward the lands where the water flows not by foreign corporations. Hawaiian waters in Hawaiian hands.
Support
As a farm manager and resident in East Maui it is so clear and important to me that residents and experts should have control and make the decisions on water for our island moving forward. That is why I am in strong support of Resolution 22-119 to establish the East Maui Water Authority. In March 2021 we had one of the biggest flood events on the island followed by an incredibly dry winter this past season in 2022. Hanehoi stream came to a complete stop for a few days in February, which is on record our average wettest month. We don't know what the future holds but with climate uncertainty it is not a time to give long term control of our most important resource to a single company or entity and expect them to have the islands best interest in mind and to manage all of the complexities of East Maui's watershed completely and effectively to ensure the health of our communities and ecosystems. This Charter amendment is a necessary step towards managing our water for the best of all. I want Mahi Pono to still get adequate water to ensure their farming and success in the central valley but it is not the right decision for the island to give a 30 year lease at this point. I am in strong support of this charter and taking this essential step to managing our resources collectively and intelligently.
Joe Barrett, Farm Manager
Huelo Resident along Hanehoi stream