Commission approves permits, funding agreements; Ouli Farms application withdrawn

The Commission on Water Resource Management met March 18, 2025, in Honolulu and took final action on several staff recommendations, approving multiple permits and a funding agreement and adopting an agricultural water plan. Commissioners also heard public comment on a large subdivision stream crossing (Ouli Farms) and the applicant withdrew that application rather than seek a vote.

Why it matters: The votes finalize permit conditions and funding that affect groundwater monitoring, municipal and private water infrastructure, and statewide agricultural water planning. Several approvals include special conditions intended to limit local impacts or require extra monitoring.

Key outcomes (motions and votes) - A1 — Approval of minutes (02/18/2025): Motion to approve the draft minutes passed. (Roll call recorded; motion approved.)

- B1 — Waikapu Country Town wells (pump installation permits): The commission approved issuance of pump installation permits for two existing Waikapu Country Town wells subject to staff’s standard conditions and special conditions. Notable added conditions included requiring a diver/pressure transducer in the non‑pumped well during the pump test, hourly water‑level readings 3 days before and after a constant rate pump test, submission of pump test results within 30 days, and explicit coordination of the pump test with Maui Department of Water Supply so the county can monitor conductivity and chlorides during tests. Motion passed (approved as amended).

- B2 — Kahawiki Stream channel alteration permit (Army Garrison Hawaii/Public Works): The commission approved a stream channel alteration permit for a soil‑nail/shotcrete stabilization system on Kahawiki Stream at Fort Shafter, subject to the staff conditions and delegation to the deputy to add any State Historic Preservation Division concurrence conditions when received. The motion carried on the floor with a recorded 4–1 vote.

- B3 — South Wilder Road (Kaumana Stream) culvert replacement (County of Hawaii):…