West Maui water conflicts raise hope for future solutions

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management heard complaints Monday about water waste for golf courses, the struggles of traditional farmers in West Maui and the slow rollout of water permits.

Meanwhile, state, county and industry officials are discussing potential solutions including desalination and improved water systems.

Golf industry consultant Mark Rolfing acknowledged the use of potable water to irrigate the Kapalua Plantation course during the emergency was problematic.

“Certainly, it’s not an ideal situation in an emergency to use potable water for irrigating a golf course,” Rolfing said. “It needs a long-term fix and it’s got to be done right away.”

Rolfing said he has been pushing the governor, course owner and Maui Land and Pineapple to work together to save the economic asset.

Governor proposes desalination partnership

Gov. Josh Green said he wants the parties to partner on desalination.

“I’d like them to partner, and I’ve been meeting with them to do desal. They did it in Kona it works pretty well. That’s a future solution,” Green said.

Other proposed solutions include more reservoirs to catch overflow from heavy rains and pipelines to move available recycled wastewater where needed.

Farmers frustrated with permit delays

Taro farmers who grow crops in West Maui streams expressed outrage that permit approvals to protect stream flows have taken over two years.

“The commission is quicker to illegally green light water for golf courses than to honor public trust purposes like resource protection and kalo cultivation. That’s kind of really shame and super hewa,” said Karyn Kanekoa, a Honokohau taro farmer.

Honokohau resident Wili Wood said he was frustrated with waste in the plantation-era water system and the permit delays.

“I’m frustrated that I have to come back here again and ask the commission to do its job. We need action,” Wood said.

High-end homes using excess water

The commission heard a staff report finding high-end investment homes use significantly more drinking water than residents for landscaping and pools.

Mayor Richard Bissen said he will use the findings to restrict vacation rentals.

“When it’s out for rentals, people are more free to use the water because it’s included in their price. The rest of us pay monthly bills, so you watch your electricity, you watch your water, you watch whatever you use,” Bissen said. “It vindicates or affirms what the county was saying that these water wasters are certainly overusing the water.”

Earthjustice Attorney Mahesh Cleveland said the commission should prioritize farmers over tourism businesses.

“Take care of these community members. They want to have it solid and locked in, and then let’s deal with these water wasters, these water abusers,” Cleveland said.

A Hawaii News Now investigation earlier this year revealed cheap water rates from old plantation water systems that might contribute to waste.

The county said a unified public system with fairer rates could help fund improvements including recycling, more reservoirs and desalination.