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OHA board backs East Maui stream restoration, supports community water governance
Summary
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board approved two motions backing restoration of East Maui streams and supporting transfer of certain lands/resources for community-led governance by Maui’s East Water Authority; both motions passed unanimously in roll-call votes.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs board on July 30 approved two motions from the Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment committee urging support for restoration of streams in East Maui and backing community-led public governance of East Maui water.
"Motion 1, the OHA board of trustees approves staff recommendation to continue supporting restoration of streams in East Maui, consistent with OHA's constitutional and statutory responsibilities, the BOT, Hawaii policy, and OHA's long standing advocacy for the restoration of East Maui streams and native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights as set forth in attachment b," the committee chair read when presenting the recommendation. Trustees voted by roll call and the meeting record shows eight yes votes for each motion. The second motion included staff recommendations to support transfer and management by Maui’s East Water Authority and related county agencies, subject to applicable requirements.
The item followed testimony from an online public speaker (Ohana Unity Party) expressing support. The board recorded formal motions and votes; both actions passed on roll call. The motions were presented as consistent with court orders and ongoing efforts to remedy diversions and losses in the East Maui ditch system.
