A&B Starts Environmental Review at East Maui Streams

File photo of Keʻanae by Wendy Osher (2009)

The State Board of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday issued an order directing Alexander & Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation Company to commence the environmental review process.

The review is in support of A&B’s application for a lease of water from the license areas of Honomanū, Keʻanae, Huelo and Nāhiku.

The company has 60 days to provide the board with a scope of work for preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement.

Department officials say the scope of work should distinguish those portions that can be undertaken prior to the Commission on Water Resource Management’s final decision on petitions to amend interim instream flow standards in east Maui from those that require a decision from CWRM prior to completion. Accompanying the scope of work should be a tentative schedule for commencement and completion of the various portions of the scope of work.

The BLNR deferred decision making on Nā Moku’s Motion to Establish Scope of Reconvened Contested Case Proceedings.

The orders come as A&B moves to transition away from sugar operations to diversified agriculture.  It also comes amid a long-standing battle between A&B and East Maui taro farmers over water rights in the area.