In a space of 4 days organizers collected almost 200 signatures from Maui residents opposed to the idea of a Waihe’e water bottling plant exporting any water from Maui. The petition was delivered to DLNR Chair, William Aila, during a listening session on Maui.
Facts are few and far between but it appears that a Waihe’e farmer is attempting to buy the former Betsill Bros. land in Waihe’e containing 3wells, along with a partner who may be interested in a water bottling operation at the site.
The buyer met with the Waihe’e Community Association to discuss benefits to Waihe’e including water, land and possibly a percentage of profits from the bottling facility. During that meeting the buyer stated that some of his output would be exported off island. Beyond that, few facts are confirmed.
DLNR head Bill Aila indicated that his department would be open to preventing any water exports from Maui and suggested attendees ask the County Council and/or Mayor to create a resolution stating that water exports were “not in the public interest.”
Council-member Don Couch has indicated that he intends to bring such a resolution forward.
The groundwater at Waihe’e is not a designated resource management area although the Commission on Water Resource Management is watching the situation. The County of Maui pumps a significant portion of the aquifer’s estimated available water from wells near to the subject property. Attendees expressed concern that, as the bottling operation grew, it would impact the aquifer forcing a reduction in the County’s pumping.
Featured photo: Forrest & Kim Starr
patti domingo
I think it’s a travesty to allow our state to break their Constitutional obligational responsibilities to protect, cntrol and regulate the use of Hawaii’s water resources for the benefit of it’s people. Section 7 of the Hawaii Constitution Article XI states this.
If you all read that Constitution then we can eliminate all the unneccessary chatter from the citzens and enforce the State’s water code. The state is entrusted to protect our water rights for the good of the people of Maui.
No one has the right to the water on their property, it is the right of all people living here.
We need all of our Representatives to follow up and make sure this isn’t happening.
Unless you’ve been in the shoes of these Taro farmers, ag farmers, those buiding homes waiting for water meters, Kula, Makawao, Pukalani residents on constant water restrictions and those living in Ulumalu that have low water pressure should be supportive and know that all water on Maui should be for the betterment of our island. We also have to think of our economy and the vital tourism that we depend on every month.
We need to also update our County to follow up on all wells and aquifers and sustain them so that we can have our future children able to use and have good clean water for them and their children. If we are selling out to any international country, we are selling out our future generation. Goodness sakes, we are on an island, who will get water to us if we run out? Shipping rates are out of control. Again it’s a travesty by all means if our own government can’t enforce their own Constitution of Hawaii.
Whethr this is a rumor or truth, the Board of Water supply ought to be investigated to make sure that all water usuage is good, clean and for the people.
If this rumor wasn’t true, then the Board of Water Supply should have come out and made a statement to dispell the rumor after all on their website states: “by water all things find life”.
mary manju
Too many times we have been in serious drought situations. I have heard that upcountry water is being challenged to get toxic well water? I don’t know the facts, but I do know that we as a small Island can do better for the citizens , the infrastructure, and the environmental concerns the islands are facing due to corporate greed, and mismanagement, let us as a county think of a better tomorrow for Maui Now.
Joan Heartfield
How do we sign the petition for this? I do not see one on this site.
Maui Tomorrow
Maui Tomorrow is NOT sponsoring this petition. As we mentioned we are still trying to get VERIFIED information on the proposed project.
The group that is sponsoring the petition can be found at http://saveMauiWater.com.
Tina Wildberger
Thanks for this. I too was stunned to see continually insufficient Maui News coverage of Maui current events.
Maui Tomorrow
Maui Tomorrow is working to collect verified and accurate information
regarding this project. We will post a fact sheet once information is
confirmed.
Mahalo for your patience.
jeanne duberstein
Thanks, Irene and everyone. Tell us what to do next “in the public interest.