East Maui Water Authority to host community events on watershed, water resource planning, June 16-18

The County’s newly established East Maui Water Authority (EMWA) and its regional advisory board, ʻAha Wai o Maui Hikina, invite community members to a series of free public events focused on watershed and water resource planning.

Held in partnership with the Kula and Haʻikū Community Associations and the nonprofit Public Finance Initiative, these gatherings will take place June 16-18, 2025, across Upcountry and East Maui.

Community events schedule:

Monday, June 16: Keʻanae Field Trip and Community Meeting
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. | Free and by invitation only by contacting EMWA at EMWater.Authority@co.maui.hi.us.

Location: East Maui
Morning: Includes lunch and a field visit to Nā Moku Aupuni o Koʻolau Hui taro fields, Makapipi stream and Puaʻa Kaʻa State Wayside Park.

Evening (4-7 p.m.): Public discussion with experts and EMWA on the status, challenges and opportunities for East Maui’s watershed and water systems.

Tuesday, June 17: Public finance panel and listening session
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Free and open to in-person, online or phone participation

Location: in-person: Kalana Pākuʻi Building, 250 S. High St., Wailuku; online: Webex link | Access code: 2660 971 9685 | Password: EMWA17; or phone: 650-479-3208

Panel presentation and Q&A exploring public finance strategies to support water-related projects and community priorities.

Tuesday, June 17: Kula community meeting
6:30-9 p.m. | Free and open to in-person participation

Location: Kula Community Center

A deep-dive discussion on water resource management, with a focus on supporting Upcountry residents, water meter applicants, farmers and local policymakers. Co-hosted by the Kula Community Association.

Wednesday, June 18: Haʻikū and Huelo community meeting
6:30–8:30 p.m. | Free and open to in-person participation

Location: Haʻikū Community Center

Community-led dialogue on watershed management and surface water needs in Haʻikū and Huelo. Co-hosted by the Haʻikū Community Association.

These events offer an opportunity for residents, farmers and stakeholders to share their voices and help shape the future of East Maui’s water systems and watershed stewardship.

Introduced by Maui County Councilmember Shane Sinenci, the charter amendment to create the EMWA board was approved by voters in 2022. The East Maui Regional Community Board, or ʻAha Wai o Maui Hikina Regional Community Board, voted Oct. 25, 2024, to approve Gina Young as the EMWA’s first director.

For information, contact EMWA at EMWater.Authority@co.maui.hi.us.