Maui County Water & Infrastructure Committee Meeting — January 26, 2026

The Maui County Water and Infrastructure Committee convened on January 26, 2026, at 1:34 PM, chaired by Councilmember Tom Cook. The committee considered two items: an intergovernmental agreement with DLNR for roadway maintenance (Bill 176, Y-20) and a bill to amend the water availability policy to allow concurrent review of subdivision construction plans (Bill 1, Y-21). Public testimony was taken on the second item. The committee passed Bill 176 on first reading and deferred Bill 1 to a future date pending legal clarification and input from the Board of Water Supply.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar was considered.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Greenleaf (testifier) expressed concerns about unknown aquifer capacity, noting the county has rented a ground-penetrating machine to gauge the aquifer. He recommended deferring Bill 1 until a water survey is complete and suggested requiring private well owners to report pumping statistics.
• Jeff Uyoka (testifier) supported Bill 1, stating it would allow subdivision construction plan review to happen simultaneously with water verification, potentially saving four to ten months of processing time. He clarified that developers would not proceed without confidence in water availability.
• Kate Anderson (YLA 808) opposed Bill 1, arguing that Maui County is in a drought and that the bill weakens the "show me the water" requirement. She called for a centralized water authority and stronger language ensuring no building permit is issued without long-term sustainable water.
• Leilani Pulmano (Pacific Rimland) supported Bill 1, stating that in her experience, water verification takes four to ten months, and concurrent processing would streamline the process. She emphasized that developers invest millions in engineering and would not proceed without certainty of water.
• Greg Pullman (Lahaina resident) neither supported nor opposed Bill 1 but urged the committee to thoroughly consider the impact and potential waste of county resources if projects stall.
• Michael Williams (My Tomorrow Foundation) opposed Bill 1, noting that the Department of Water Supply and Planning lack a system to review private engineering reports for private water sources. He also warned of added workload on county staff with no guarantee of final approval.
• Jackie Keefe opposed Bill 1, citing community distrust and the need for better well monitoring and accountability. She argued that the bill could lead to irreversible aquifer salinity.
• Robin Knox (phone testifier) opposed Bill 1, requesting more public education on the process and expressing concern that the bill would create political pressure to approve water permits after significant investment.
• Travis Liggett supported Bill 1 philosophically but urged focus on reusing treated wastewater (R1 water) to address water scarcity, noting that approximately 10 million gallons per day go into injection wells.
• Stacey Alaby opposed Bill 1, citing a UN report on global water bankruptcy and arguing the bill primarily benefits speculative real estate investments. She also highlighted that risk is often passed to future lot buyers.
• Junior Nicola (in-person testifier) opposed Bill 1, arguing it only helps developers and not the community, and called for more community meetings before such bills are proposed.
• Last testifier (name not clearly stated) supported Bill 1, noting that developers would not invest millions without high confidence in water availability and that the bill does not weaken "show me the water" requirements.

Discussion Items

• Bill 176 (Y-20) — Intergovernmental Agreement with DLNR for Road Maintenance

  • The bill authorizes the mayor to enter into a 10-year agreement with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for maintenance of Pi Holo, Olinda, and Luana Roads near the Waiho Spring Forest Reserve.
  • A proposed CD1 version (Granicus number 5) amends the bill's title and makes non-substantive revisions.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Johnson asked about herbicide use by the state; Director Barony stated he is not aware of DOT using herbicides. Councilmember Johnson requested a letter to the state for clarification. Councilmember Paulton asked about the definition of "to the extent appropriate" and financial obligations; Director Barony explained it is a cooperative agreement with no guaranteed funding. Councilmember Paulton noted that hundreds of residents live off Huiak Road, which remains unresolved. Councilmember Hodgins expressed frustration over eucalyptus roots damaging the road and asked when repairs would begin; Director Barony said the agreement will enable resurfacing planning. The committee passed the CD1 and then the main motion as amended (8-0, with Councilmember Sugimore excused).

• Bill 1 (Y-21) — Amending Water Availability Policy on Subdivision Construction Plans

  • The bill allows the Department of Water Supply to review subdivision construction plans concurrently with water verification, at the subdivider's risk, without weakening the requirement for a long-term reliable water source before final subdivision approval.
  • A proposed CD1 version (Granicus number 4) amends titles and clarifies cross-references.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Johnson expressed concern that the bill conflicts with the Countywide Policy Plan (Objective 1, Policy A) which requires adequate water before approval of subdivision or construction documents. Councilmember Rollins Fernandez asked if the bill would apply to commercial/industrial projects, as affordable housing subdivisions are already exempt. Director Barony confirmed it applies to all subdivisions. Councilmember Lee supported the bill, citing high costs of delays (carrying costs estimated at $50,000–$100,000 per month). Councilmember Cook emphasized the bill only changes the timing of review, not the approval requirements.
  • Legal Clarification: Corp Counsel noted a potential conflict with the Countywide Policy Plan if the CD1 language requiring approval of construction plans is interpreted as final approval before water verification. The committee agreed to seek legal guidance.
  • Next Steps: Councilmember Batangan proposed deferring the item, sending a letter to the Board of Water Supply for comments, obtaining legal clarification on the Countywide Policy Plan conflict, working with the Director of Water Supply on amendments, and adjusting the effective date to July 1, 2026. The committee agreed.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 176 (Y-20): Recommended passage on first reading (8-0, Sugimore excused). The bill moves to the full council.
• Bill 1 (Y-21): Deferred to a future meeting. The Chair will send a letter to the Board of Water Supply requesting comments. Corp Counsel will provide legal clarification on the conflict with the Countywide Policy Plan. The Director of Water Supply will work with the Chair on potential amendments. The effective date may be set to July 1, 2026.
• The meeting adjourned at 4:28 PM.