Exemptions Proposed for Upcountry Water Meter Priority List

Councilmember Gladys Baisa. Photo credit: Office of Council Services.

By Maui Now Staff

Water Resources Committee Chair Gladys Baisa introduced a bill that, under certain conditions, would exempt residents on the Upcountry water meter priority list from making costly infrastructure improvements.

The committee will consider the bill on Wednesday, July 22, at 9 a.m. in the Maui County Council Chamber.

“Applicants on the list have been waiting years for a water meter, and I want to eliminate obstacles they face,” Baisa said. “But we need to also make sure certain protections are in place for the county.”

Applicants on the list must first complete fire protection improvements and water system infrastructure before being granted a county water meter and connecting to the system.

Baisa said these improvements can be expensive and may cost up to seven figures for some applicants, depending on their property’s proximity to existing water lines.

“I urge residents, especially those on the priority list, to let me know if my proposal will work or not,” Baisa said. “Please offer solutions on how to improve the bill to address this long-standing Upcountry issue.”

A copy of the bill is posted online. Testimony may be emailed.