DHHL discusses agricultural water reservations amidst East Maui irrigation challenges

During the March 18, 2025, Monthly Water Commission Meeting, significant discussions centered around the water needs of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and the implications for agricultural and urban water use in Hawaii.

Commissioners learned that agricultural water demands from DHHL greatly exceed the requirements for domestic use in homestead areas. This disparity highlights the critical need for adequate water reservations to support agricultural activities across the state. DHHL representatives noted that while they have secured some groundwater reservations in non-designated water management areas, there are still pressing needs for potable water reservations in designated areas, particularly for lands in Keaokea and Waiohui, as well as additional requirements on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai.

A key point of concern was the approximately 7 million gallons per day reservation related to the Koke'e irrigation system, which is vital for agricultural use on around 2,500 acres. This reservation was part of the Waimea River settlement agreement, but its effectiveness is threatened by historically low water flows and the stalled development of a pumped storage hydroelectric project by the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC), which was expected to enhance infrastructure.

The meeting also revealed a gap in the agricultural plan due to the exclusion of DHHL reservations, raising concerns about the impact on farmers and beneficiaries. This omission could significantly influence the outcomes of the agricultural development plan, as highlighted by the discussions among commissioners.

As the Water Commission continues to address these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that both agricultural and domestic water needs are met, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strategic planning to support Hawaii's water resources effectively.