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East Maui Water Authority leaders outline century‑long history and make case for local stewardship
Summary
EMWA chair Kyle Nakanilua and vice chair Jonathan summarized the history of East Maui water disputes, charter details and why local, community‑based governance matters for cultural, legal and watershed stewardship reasons.
Kyle Nakanilua, chair of the East Maui Water Authority, outlined historical milestones for East Maui water — citing early opposition in 1881, county concerns in 1961, the 2018 sale of plantation lands and the 2022 charter amendment establishing the Authority. He described the board composition required by the charter and emphasized cultural and constitutional connections to crown/kingdom lands and Native Hawaiian interests.
Vice chair Jonathan summarized operational lessons from standing up the regional board, recounted repeated efforts by external actors to secure long licenses and underlined why local governance matters for community accountability. Jonathan also stressed that legal and title questions remain central to the dispute and urged continued OHA advocacy for Native Hawaiian rights and revenue interests tied to water use.
