Hawaii Water Commission Approves MOU with Ulupono for Enhanced Public Outreach Initiative

The Hawaii Water Commission is taking significant steps to enhance public awareness and engagement regarding water resource management in the state. During the July 15, 2025, monthly meeting, the commission discussed a new initiative aimed at improving communication with both the general public and elected officials. This effort is being supported by Ulupono Initiative, which has offered to fund professional communication services for the first six months at an estimated cost of $31,000.

The primary goal of this initiative is to foster greater transparency and informed participation in water management. The commission staff highlighted the need for better public understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as the complexities of water governance in Hawaii. By utilizing social media and targeted email blasts, the commission aims to reach a wider audience and clarify misconceptions about their work.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ulupono will allow the commission to evaluate the effectiveness of these communication strategies by February 2026. If successful, the commission may consider continuing the program independently. The commission has also consulted with the state ethics commission to ensure compliance with lobbying guidelines, which will require them to report each email blast sent to legislators.

In addition to the communication initiative, the meeting touched on the importance of proactive outreach to legislators, who play a crucial role in funding and supporting water management efforts. The commission acknowledged that many community members are unaware of the daily operations and responsibilities of the commission, which can lead to misinformation.

As the commission moves forward with this outreach strategy, they are hopeful that increased engagement will lead to better governance of Hawaii's water resources and a more informed public. The next steps will involve monitoring the effectiveness of the communication efforts and determining how to sustain them in the long term.