Acquisition of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.'s water infrastructure assets in West Maui and Upcountry (MOU dated May 18, 2026)
Maui County
Description
The county is negotiating to buy MLP's water assets — the Honokohau Ditch system, wells in Honokowai and Kapalua, Upcountry wells near Piʻiholo, reservoir land, and more — under a non-binding MOU. MLP is also asking for water source credits and county-supported zoning changes on some parcels.
Impact summary
If completed, public ownership of West Maui drinking water jumps from about 45% to 93%, supporting reliability, fire protection and housing. Final terms, appraisals and council approval are still to come.
Applicant
- Name
- County of Maui (Department of Management / Department of Water Supply)
- Address
- West Maui and Upcountry, Maui County, Hawaii
At a glance
- Hearings
- 1
- Public comments
- 7
- Total mentions
- 1
Recorded in the meeting · Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee
Last discussed Jul 29, 2026.
Meeting timeline (1)
Related issues (4)
Protection of Wahi Kupuna and cultural resources
The committee approved policies ensuring Native Hawaiian access to kuleana lands, preserving historic roads like the King's Trail with restoration encouraged where practicable, using Ike Kupuna in development design, and supporting a South Maui cultural center and museum.
Upcountry water meter list and supply
The parcel has two 5/8-inch water meters, and Water Department staff said no additional meters can be added right now because the meter list closed in 2013 — which complicates plans for agriculture on the remaining 20 acres.
County acquisition of Launiupoko and Olowalu water systems
The county wants to buy two private West Maui water companies for up to $6 million, bringing roughly 480 customer connections under public control. Only about 23% of West Maui water systems are currently publicly owned, and consolidating systems was a recommendation of the post-wildfire recovery plan. Questions remain about easements, rates, well conditions, and state permitting.
County Parcel Adjacent to Kihei Police Station — Passive Park vs. Housing
About 140 undeveloped acres next to the Kīhei police station could become a passive park protecting rare wiliwili dryland forest and cultural sites — but Housing is preparing an affordable-housing RFP for the same land. The committee paused for the administration to weigh in.
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