Paddle Out to Celebrate Clean Water, Oct. 5

The Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter joins fellow environmental groups on Maui in a paddle out event on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 5, in celebration of clean water.

The event comes on the heels of the council’s 5 to 4 vote in support of settling the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility injection wells case.

The organization is urging the Mayor to uphold the council’s vote saying there must be a “focus on eliminating the pollution of our West Maui waters.” Organizers say the event is being held, “in celebration of the success so far,” and to remember why they started the “fight for clean water in the first place.”

The group also delivered a petition signed by thousands of members to the Maui County Council Chair prior to the vote, urging the county to settle the legal case.

Mayor Victorino has expressed disappointment in the council’s decision, and has said withdrawing from the U.S. Supreme Court case would cost the County of Maui millions. He also outlined projected impacts.

Members of the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter will join the Sierra Club Maui Chapter and Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund for a the paddle out at 9 a.m. Participants will meet at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Whalers Village Shopping Center; and the event will be followed with a reception and pūpū gathering at 10:30 a.m. at Hula Grill.

*Cover photo file courtesy DLNR.