Mahinahina Exploratory Well Proposed in West Maui

Sustainable Yield Map, courtesy image Draft EIS. Click image to view in greater detail.

By Wendy Osher

A draft environmental impact statement has been filed for an exploratory well at Mahinahina in West Maui.

The plan was designed to address system vulnerabilities during periods of drought and maintenance.

Water Department officials say that during periods of drought, the surface water levels can drop to a point where raw water supply to the area treatment plants is reduced.  There have also been times when the supply of raw water has been cut off to the Mahinahina water treatment plant during periods of required maintenance at the Honolua/Honokohau Ditch system.

To address the vulnerability of the Lahaina system, The Maui Department of Water Supply proposes to drill groundwater wells to investigate the viability of backup sources of potable water.

The project site is located about three miles mauka of the Honokowai Beach park on land previously used for pineapple cultivation. The department anticipates a finding of no significant impact.