#mahealani wendt

Changing rainfall, persistent drought and invasive species are taking a toll on the watershed and leaving East Maui farmers with less water than expected after the restoration of streams.

Maui residents are invited to join a conversation with water resource and finance experts to help shape a sustainable, equitable and community-led future for East Maui’s watershed, according to an announcement. The Kula Community Association, Haʻikū Community Association and wikiwai.org are supporting the East Maui Water Authority and its community board, the ‘Aha Wai O […]

The panel discussed issues that included the influx of tourism, keeping pace with infrastructure, affordable housing, control of water, the importance of agriculture and efforts to diversify the economy. 

“All these areas were populated in taro from Hāna to Keʻanae and Wailuanui. Today we see less,” said Hoshino. “Everything precious to us from wai (water) to ʻāina (land) to ocean because that’s our connection.”

More than 80 organizations signed a coalition statement in support of restoring water to East Maui streams as a group of taro farmers from the region voice opposition to a measure that they say would allow continued water diversions.

Mahealani Wendt is a candidate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Maui Island residency seat. Wendt is among a list of 2 individuals identified as candidates in the race on the 2014 ballot.