Honolulu community demands action on worsening water crisis and legislative support

Concerns over Hawaii's water crisis took center stage at the April 28, 2025, Monthly Water Commission Meeting, as community members and advocates urged immediate action to address worsening conditions. Mahesh Cleveland, an attorney with Earth Justice, highlighted the alarming trend of increasing salinity in local wells, warning that the situation has deteriorated significantly since the commission designated the area for management three years ago.

Cleveland expressed relief that the Department of Water Supply (DWS) withdrew a controversial petition that would have allowed the sinking of a new well in an area already plagued by salty water. He emphasized that simply adding more wells would not solve the problem, comparing it to "sticking another straw down in the same salty cup." He called for the commission to utilize existing legal tools to manage water shortages rather than creating new exemptions that could lead to further legal challenges.

Community members echoed these sentiments, with one speaker urging the commission to listen to the voices of the youth and take decisive action. Another resident, Faileke Okona, criticized the ongoing exploitation of water resources by private entities, linking it to the historical context of water diversion for sugar plantations. Okona pointed out the paradox of allowing tourism and private interests to consume the very resources that sustain local culture and livelihoods.

The meeting underscored a growing urgency among residents for the commission to fulfill its responsibilities under Hawaii's water code and to prioritize the needs of the community over private interests. As the water crisis deepens, the call for accountability and sustainable management of water resources has never been more critical. The commission's next steps will be closely watched by those advocating for a fair and equitable approach to Hawaii's water management.