Maui Land & Pineapple water infrastructure acquisition (MLP MOU)
Maui County
Description
A non-binding MOU would start due diligence on buying MLP's water systems (Honokōhau ditch, wells, pump station) plus land assets like the Puʻu Kukui watershed lease, a Mokuʻula parcel, and land for a future Hāliʻimaile police substation and fire station. MLP is also requesting water source credits and county-supported rezonings.
Impact summary
If completed, the deal would take West Maui's drinking water systems from 45% to 93% public ownership — but members and residents want the water purchase separated from the land entitlement requests.
Applicant
- Name
- County of Maui / Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.
- Address
- West Maui and Upcountry, Maui County
At a glance
- Hearings
- 1
- Public comments
- 0
- 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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