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Marine Resource Council asks county to increase funding for reef monitoring and restoration
Summary
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council leaders told the committee they need increased county support to expand water-quality monitoring, coral restoration and limu (seaweed) nutrient testing, including plans to extend monitoring to Molokai and track environmental changes tied to new wastewater infrastructure.
Leaders of the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) testified April 22 in favor of increased county funding to support long-term coastal monitoring, reef restoration and community science.
John Starmer, MNMRC science director, told the committee the group operates long-term water-quality monitoring (Hui O Ka 'Ola) at dozens of sites and conducts coral-reef surveys and limu nutrient testing. He said an expansion to include Molokai sites is possible in cooperation with state partners and that the organization’s datasets help identify pollution sources and inform management actions.
“With the impending creation of a new wastewater treatment plant (in Ma‘alaea) and the end of coastal injection wells, we have a real opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact of infrastructure changes,” Starmer said. “We are now monitoring water quality, limu condition, and reef health in the area so we will be able to show difference before and after the switch from injection wells to proper sewage treatment.”
MNMRC and allied speakers noted that their monitoring fills gaps in state capacity and supports public-health decisions and shoreline restoration work. Committee members asked about the group’s funding mix and whether federal grants and private donors could cover the work; MNMRC staff said federal grants are helpful but uncertain and local county funding provides key match and continuity.
Committee members signaled support for boosting community-driven monitoring, but deferred any final funding decisions to the committee’s budget deliberations schedule. MNMRC requested that the county meet the increased funding level included in the organization’s FY26 request and highlighted partnerships with state agencies and community groups that would help scale work if funding is provided.
