Wastewater disinfection concerns at Wailuku-Kahului facility
Maui County
Summary
Testifier Travis Lincoln proposed a novel donation-funded model to accelerate 100% R-1 disinfection at the Kihei and Kahului plants, citing elevated fecal bacteria in UIC reports; Mike Moran pressed for clarity on whether South Maui's injection well water is actually UV-treated given poor water quality at Cove Park.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 3
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Sep 15, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
UV upgrades would require new funding; the chair invited the department to bring cost requests to the council.
Beachgoers, surfers, and the reef at Cove Park and Kalama Park, plus the tourism economy.
Testifier claims untreated discharge poses pathogen risks to ocean users and the aquarium's animals.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Water and Infrastructure Committee (2025-2027) — October 19, 2026
A testifier warned the committee not to add school flow to the Wailuku-Kahului plant before UV disinfection is installed, citing years without disinfection and pathogen readings near the harbor. He asked the committee to advance $1.8 million in design funding.
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — October 7, 2026
Testimony raised UV disinfection at the Maalaea triangle, aging condo injection wells, and reef pathogens, alongside plan actions on natural drainage ways and riparian buffers.
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — September 15, 2026
Travis Liggett proposed a 'South Maui Living ʻĀina Sustainability Trust' amendment to fast-track UV wastewater disinfection and build an irrigation greenbelt firebreak connecting Maui Meadows cesspools to the Kīhei treatment plant, funded by big philanthropy.
Water and Infrastructure Committee (2025-2027) — March 9, 2026
Testifier Travis Lincoln proposed a novel donation-funded model to accelerate 100% R-1 disinfection at the Kihei and Kahului plants, citing elevated fecal bacteria in UIC reports; Mike Moran pressed for clarity on whether South Maui's injection well water is actually UV-treated given poor water quality at Cove Park.
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