Staff briefing shows large, overlapping Lahaina water claims; community demands permits and a shortage plan

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 applications.

Staff emphasized that the analysis reflects applicant‑submitted data and is not verification. Key takeaways: many single‑family dwelling meters listed in the WUPAs show under 1,000 gallons per day, but a notable share exceed 2,000 gpd; non‑owner‑occupied parcels and large agricultural‑zoned parcels can show much higher reported end uses; and recycled R‑1 distribution from the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility is a possible nonpotable source in some areas.

The briefing prompted sustained public comment from Lahaina residents, kalo farmers and advocacy groups. Karen Kanekoa, a kalo farmer from Honokohau Valley, said her community submitted WUPAs more than two years ago and remains without permits. ‘‘We need action,’’ she said, describing crop loss and warmer water temperatures that are causing taro rot. Willie Wood and several other kuleana farmers echoed calls to prioritize public‑trust permits (domestic, traditional and customary uses) and asked staff to issue WUPAs quickly for kuleana stewards.

Advocates including Mahesh with Earthjustice and project attorney Drew Hara urged the commission to use its statutory authority to declare and enforce shortage measures and to scrutinize ongoing use of potable groundwater for irrigation at Kapalua golf courses. ‘‘The use of drinking water to irrigate the golf courses is unlawful absent an approved WUPA,’’ Mahesh argued, asking the commission to act promptly.

Representatives from private purveyors and county water staff said they will work with commission staff to verify meter locations and data. Timo Lang of Maui DWS offered county assistance to straighten out mis‑mapped meters and said the department is designing a 100‑million‑gallon reservoir to capture high flows for treatment and reuse. Kaanapali representatives and private managers urged a balanced approach that addresses both conservation and viable plans for critical infrastructure.

Commissioners asked staff to prioritize actionable steps: notify applicants about incomplete filings, begin verification of high‑volume claims, consider quick approvals for small public‑trust WUPAs where evidence supports existing use, and evaluate whether the commission should use its statutory authority to declare a water‑shortage stage that applies across both public and private purveyors in the designated area. Deputy Kahane said staff would prepare recommended next steps and communications to applicants.

What’s next: staff will provide a more detailed plan for verification, outreach to purveyors (including meter verification) and options for a shortage declaration; commissioners signaled interest in prioritizing small/public‑trust permits and accelerating enforcement where appropriate.