#Water Rights
Olowalu residents fear failing crops, fire risks if water company raises rates dramatically
Olowalu Water Company wants to increase annual revenues by 325%, which residents say would make it nearly impossible to afford water for farming.
Community skeptical of golf course owner’s proposal to buy West Maui water system
Community members see the golf course’s plan as a way to “throw money at the problem” as disputes over water use continue.
Who should get first crack at water licenses in Hawaiʻi? This bill wants it to be the counties
The proposal comes at a time when Maui County is hoping to one day take over the private system used to divert streams in East Maui.
Water rights achievements to be recognized at ‘Buy Back the Beach’ Lūʻau, Jan. 24
Hawai‘i Land Trust will honor D. Kapua‘ala Sproat and Isaac Moriwake at its 24th-annual Buy Back the Beach benefit lūʻau from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Old Lāhainā Lū‘au on Maui.
End of an era: Alexander & Baldwin transfers full ownership of East Maui Irrigation to Mahi Pono
The EMI system, which was used to divert water from East Maui streams to the sugar plantation for nearly 150 years, is one of the last physical — and one of the most controversial — reminders of the sugar plantation and A&B’s outsize influence on Maui.
East Maui kalo farmers won the water fight. Now they battle climate change and invasive species
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.
Stream restoration, water supply needs prompt a closer look at Ha‘ikū streams
“We felt it was time to really get a better understanding of how much really should be left in the streams as kind of the starting point and then balance that against the other uses as well,” Maui County Water Supply Director John Stufflebean said.
Kaleo Manuel to depart the Commission on Water Resource Management
Kaleo Manuel, the First Deputy on the state Commission on Water Resource Management is apparently leaving his post after being reassigned following the August wildfires, and then reinstated two months later following an investigation by the Attorney General.
Ask the Candidates: Maui mayoral candidates on overtourism, cost of living, affordable housing, public safety and water
The race for Maui’s top executive job comes down to incumbent Michael Victorino, and challenger Richard Bissen. The two garnered the most votes in the Primary Election and now face off in the General Election, with the top vote getter to lead the County of Maui for the next four years as mayor.
Legislature Revisits Holdover of Revocable Water Permits
The item surfaces as A&B ceased nearly 150 years of sugar production on Maui in 2016 and completed the sale of 41,000 acres of ag land to Mahi Pono in December.
Native Hawaiian Lawyers Teach Water Rights
Hawaiian homesteaders are invited to a University of Hawaiʻi law school-led water law and advocacy workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2, in the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria, with lunch and refreshments provided.
East Maui Water Rights: Holdover Permits Up for Renewal
East Maui water rights will be one of the issues up for discussion at tomorrow’s Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting, scheduled to start at 9 a.m. at the Kalanimoku Building in Honolulu.
Honomanū Water Rights Demonstrators Urge Governor to Veto HB2501
About 30 farmers and residents gathered at Honomanū bridge along the Hāna Highway on Saturday in an effort to draw attention to their objection of House Bill 2501.
Senate Passes HB2501, Opponents Seek Veto
Today the Hawaiʻi Senate passed House Bill 2501, a bill that allows Alexander & Baldwin to continue previously authorized water diversions for three years or until its pending application for water rights is resolved, whichever comes first.
Maui Water Rights Sign Waving Coincides With Floor Vote
A water rights wave-signing event takes place this morning (Tuesday, May 3) from 6:30 to 9 a.m. on Hāna Highway beginning at the bottom of Haleakalā Highway.
Maui Water Holdover Bill HB2501 Passes House
The bill allows Alexander & Baldwin Inc. to continue a previously authorized disposition of water rights for three years or until its pending application for water rights is resolved, whichever occurs sooner.
Demonstrators Seek End to Continued Maui Water Diversions
Demonstrators on three islands led chants of “e ola i ka wai, mauka to makai” in separate “Free the Streams” rallies focused on water rights and opposition to Alexander & Baldwin’s continued stream diversions.
Maui Water Rights Rally Organized on Three Islands
The rally events are in response to legislative measure HB2501, the latest version of which would allow A&B to continue a previously authorized disposition of water rights for three years or until its pending application for water rights is resolved, whichever occurs sooner.
Conferees OK Inclusion of A&B in Maui Water Rights Bill
Latest draft would sunset House Bill 2501 in three years. The amended measure now goes to both houses of the Legislature for a final vote.
Conference Committee Meets on Maui Water Rights Bill
The negotiations continue as Alexander and Baldwin announced yesterday plans for the permanent release of water in seven East Maui streams. While lawmakers praised the release, the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation called the announcement a staged event and vowed to fight for the return of water to all streams that flow across ceded lands that are diverted for commercial enterprise.
