The Maui County Water and Infrastructure Committee convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss critical water management issues, particularly focusing on the development of deep monitoring wells in West Maui. The meeting began with a supportive acknowledgment of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) involvement in funding the monitoring efforts.

Committee member Senenci raised a clarifying question regarding the existing deep monitoring wells, noting that currently, only one well, the Mahina Hina, exists in the Honokowai Aquifer, with no additional wells in the Lanapoko area. This new well would be the second in West Maui, aimed at enhancing water monitoring capabilities.

The discussion progressed to the ownership of the wells. It was clarified that the existing Honokowai well is owned by the water commission, while the new well's ownership would depend on the recommendations from USGS regarding the number of wells to be developed. Both the water commission and the committee are seeking federal hazard mitigation grant funds to support the well's development.

Data sharing between entities was confirmed, with assurances that information collected would be publicly available through USGS's national risk response team program. The implications of the data collected from these wells were also discussed, highlighting its potential to inform future water management strategies, including sustainable yield assessments and aquifer health evaluations.

Concerns were raised about the timeline for the project, particularly regarding the performance period for phase one, which runs from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. The committee acknowledged that if the phase one work is not completed by the deadline, they would need to return to the council for approval of any necessary extensions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of the new monitoring well project for West Maui's water management and the collaborative efforts between local entities and federal agencies to ensure sustainable water resources for the community. The committee plans to follow up on the progress of the project and any required amendments to the agreement as the deadline approaches.