Maui Mayor Unveils Plan for Public Water Control

Maui Mayor Announces Plan for Public Water Ownership

Private companies currently own approximately 77% of Maui’s water. For residents, this means watching their land dry up while resorts remain lush and green. After years of advocacy, this situation could soon change.

Mayor Richard Bissen delivered his fourth “State of the County” address Thursday night at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. He focused on Kamaʻāina housing as a top priority, shared updates on Lahaina fire recovery, and announced plans to restore water as a public resource on Maui.

Bissen mentioned that the county is in discussions with Kamehameha Schools, Maui Land and Pineapple Company, and West Maui Land to transfer their water resources from private to public ownership. The goal is to acquire the Olowalu and Laniupoko irrigation and water companies, the Honokohau ditch system, and multiple wells and water-related infrastructure.

As a result, West Maui water systems are expected to transition from 25% to 65% publicly owned after the transition. Public stewardship of drinking water systems is projected to increase from 45% to 93%.

“For the first time in our history, Maui County is taking intentional steps toward long-term agreements for water security while protecting the public trust resource,” Bissen said.

According to the Hawaii State Constitution, water is considered a public trust. The constitution prioritizes water for Native Hawaiian practices such as kalo cultivation. Next on the priority list are affordable housing, Hawaiian Homes, environmental needs, and public use. Resorts are the lowest priority.

Last May, hundreds of Lahaina residents, including schoolchildren and kupuna, gathered at the Lahaina Civic Center to testify in support of public water ownership during a meeting that lasted from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

At the meeting, kalo farmer Lauren Palakiko explained that her crops were rotting due to insufficient water. Native Hawaiian fish, known as o’opu, were also dying in large numbers as streams dried up.

Upcountry resident Stacey Alapai expressed skepticism about most politicians, including Bissen. However, she said she felt inspired after hearing Bissen’s presentation on affordable housing and the water report.

“I believe this will be Bissen’s legacy if he’s able to acquire these water systems,” Alapai said. “That’s something that will benefit people for hundreds of years.”

The Bissen administration also highlighted progress in Lahaina fire recovery, including the reconstruction of 456 residential and multi-family units since the wildfires. The average time for rebuild permit approvals is 44 days, according to Bissen.

Lahaina resident Rick Nava was impressed by the fire recovery data shared, but he noted that those working on the ground have more detailed information. Nava expressed concern about residents building “mega-mansions,” such as a home housing 32 people with 12 cars on Lahainaluna Rd.

Bissen emphasized that keeping locals in their homes is a top priority. He mentioned that Maui has delivered 2,016 new market rate and affordable units since 2023 and projected 5,054 market rate and affordable units to be built by 2030.

“If you are thinking about moving away from Maui County, please don’t,” Bissen said. “Change is not coming. Change is here.”

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