KCA calls for state support on water infrastructure and fire mitigation

The Kula Community Association (KCA) has formally called on Gov. Josh Green and the State of Hawaiʻi to take urgent action in advance of what is expected to be another challenging wildfire season in Upcountry Maui.

In a letter sent on May 12th, Kula Community Association outlined two critical areas of concern: the need for improved wildfire mitigation on thousands of acres of unmanaged state-owned land, and the installation of vital water infrastructure to bolster firefighting capabilities and community resilience.

KCA is requesting state support for the installation of two 500,000-gallon water tanks, potentially located on Haleakalā Ranch lands near Crater Road. These tanks would integrate with the Upper Kula potable water system and serve as a reserve during fire emergencies, even when power outages disrupt County pumping systems. The proposal also includes the use of the existing but currently unused State Agricultural water line.

“These tanks are not just storage—they’re a lifeline for our community in a fire event,” said Jordan Hocker with the KCA. “And they address a long-standing vulnerability in our Upcountry infrastructure.”

KCA also raised alarm over vast areas of former agricultural land that have been left unmanaged and overrun with highly flammable invasive species such as Black Wattle and Eucalyptus. These include:

• Nearly 700 acres near Kula Hospital
• 2,100 acres at Kamehamenui
• 5,000 acres of DHHL lands below Fong Store
• Over 4,500 acres in Māʻalaea, known for recurring fires
• More than 8,700 additional acres from Olowalu to Kahakuloa

The association is calling for cross-agency collaboration among DLNR, DHHL, the County of Maui, and local stakeholders to map and manage these lands and reduce fuel loads before peak fire season.

“Our rural community stands at a crossroads—between resilience and risk,” said Hocker. “With state leadership, we can take meaningful steps to prevent devastating wildfires.”

KCA expressed gratitude for the Governor’s leadership following the August 2023 fires and urged continued partnership to protect lives, property, and the Upcountry environment.