OHA trustees back stream restoration and community-led governance for East Maui water

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees voted to approve two staff recommendations: continued support for restoration and compliance in East Maui streams, and support for community‑led public governance of the East Maui ditch and water diversion system, including transfer of crown/government lands to Maui County for management by the East Maui Water Authority and the Maui County Department of Water Supply. Trustee Akaka read the revised motion aloud before the vote: “the BOT approve staff recommendation to support community led public governance for East Maui Water, including transfer of the crown/government lands and the resources thus far to the county…”

The first motion directed OHA staff to keep advocating for stream restoration and enforcement of existing court orders; the second endorsed a set‑aside/transfer approach that would make the county the manager of underlying crown/government lands that convey water to East Maui. The board approved each motion by roll call vote; the clerk recorded nine yes votes on both motions (Trustee Ahuna; Trustee Akaka; Trustee Akina; Trustee Alapa; Trustee Kahele; Trustee Lindsay; Trustee Souza; Trustee Wahei; Chair Galataria). The chair noted the board would follow up on implementation details and scheduling for further deliberations.