Volume 1, Number 8
FREE
February, 2025
Maui Water Issues Bubbling Up W By Taryn Kama
ater issues on Maui continue to persist as residents face growing water shortages. South, Central and West Maui remain under water restrictions, even as new, potential luxury developments threaten to increase water usage. According to a Jan. 22 press release from the Maui County Department of Water Supply (DWS), water demand has been rising. A Stage 1 Water Shortage occurs when anticipated demand is projected to exceed available supply by one to 15 percent. Usage had been tapering down when the water shortage declaration was initially announced in September 2024; however, recent trends indicate an increase in water use. The affected service areas include Waihe‘e, Waiehu, Wailuku, Kahului, Spreckelsville, Pā‘ia, Ku‘au, Mā‘alaea, Kīhei, Wailea, and Mākena. Water restrictions also continue to be in effect in West Maui. The restrictions include limiting irrigation to two days a week, repairs to any leaks or breaks or faulty sprinklers within five days, no emptying or refilling pools and other voluntary conservation measures. The restrictions apply to to single-family homes, county parks and facilities, commercial uses and multifamily dwellings. While water restrictions help conserve supply, they are only part of the solution. Water researchers and community groups emphasize the need for better water management and a deeper understanding of Maui’s water resources. The situation is further complicated by large-scale developments that could exacerbate the crisis. Understanding Maui’s Water Crisis According to water researcher and environmental activist Lucienne DeNaie, Maui’s water cycle has changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. It was previously thought to have ample aquifer capacity; however, some of the island’s wells now show signs of overuse
and saltwater intrusion. Rising salinity levels have made certain wells too salty for use, while rainfall—a key source of aquifer recharge—has decreased by 25 percent since the 1970s. If you don’t get a enough rainfall, the aquifers will be depleted. DeNaie wrote a comprehensive report on water titled Maui’s Water Future (2006). Sources of Maui’s Public Water According to the Maui County website, public water is sourced from both surface water and groundwater. DeNaie said the county’s central water system relies primarily on aquifers, which supply water to 70 percent of county-served residents. While the county has reduced well usage, long-term sustainability concerns persist. Additionally, very few new water meters have been issued in the past 20 years. Many residents, especially on the East side of the island, rely on catchment systems, private wells, or natural springs to meet their water needs. She said it’s also important to note that freshwater flowing
into the ocean plays a crucial role in the water cycle. A common misconception is that freshwater flowing into the ocean is wasted. In reality, it plays a vital role in nearshore ecosystems. Limu (seaweed) thrives in areas with freshwater discharge, providing food for fish. Without freshwater, limu dies, small fish populations decline, and larger fish disappear. Protecting stream flow and aquifer recharge is essential for both marine life and drinking water resources. Community Concerns: Development vs. Water Security To add to the crisis, Paul Deslauriers, executive director of the Maui Pono Network, warns that corporate interests and offshore developers are placing Maui’s water future at risk. He believes this situation could be worsened by bigmoney developers. The Maui Pono Network, an organization focused on advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize sustainability, local needs, and responsible stewardship of Maui’s resources, is urging residents to take action and hold decision-makers accountable. Critics argue that the council majority after the last election cycle is now leaning toward serving developer interests. One of the most concerning projects for the Maui environmental community is the planned expansion of Kīhei. More than 1,000 new homes are planned—primarily luxury properties priced at $3 million and up. Despite current water restrictions, these projects are proposed and continue moving Article Continues On Page 4. >
What's Inside: Youths Work on Climate Solutions...............3 Microgrants Offered to Farmers....................5 Plein Air Competition Returns.....................6 Whale Count Remains Steady......................10 Hawai‘i STEM conference............................11