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Staff briefing shows large, overlapping Lahaina water claims; community demands permits and a shortage plan
Summary
Staff presented a first‑pass analysis of Lahaina aquifer sector water‑use permit applications showing significant overlapping systems, data quality issues and high end‑use figures for some single‑family and non‑owner‑occupied meters. Dozens of public commenters urged immediate issuance of WUPAs for kuleana farmers, accused diverters of mismanagement and demanded a water‑shortage plan and limits on potable irrigation for golf courses.
Commission staff on Nov. 18 presented an informational briefing summarizing existing water‑use permit applications in the Lahaina aquifer sector, prompting intense public testimony calling for faster action on water‑use permit applications (WUPAs), verification of applicant data and a formal water‑shortage response.
Deputy director Kira Kahane opened the briefing and said staff has worked with applicants and compiled maps and meter‑level claims for large public and private systems including Hawaii Water Service, Maui Department of Water Supply, Kaanapali Land Management and smaller purveyors. Aaron Estrop of the Stream Protection and Management Branch described the methodology: matching applicant tax map keys and declared end uses to county zoning, aggregating multiple meters per parcel and flagging data anomalies such as 0‑value meters, duplicate meters and parcels that appear in multiple…
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