Summary
The County is negotiating to buy MLP's water infrastructure, which would shift public stewardship of West Maui drinking water from about 45% to 93%. Supporters see it as reclaiming a public trust resource; critics worry about the price, bundled land entitlements, and liabilities from existing water agreements.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 5, 2026.
Impact analysis
Council already approved some funding in the FY27 budget, but the full price isn't known until appraisals come back this fall.
West Maui and Upcountry residents get more reliable, publicly accountable water service, plus support for housing and kuleana users.
Neighbors worry the bundled water credits and rezonings could prioritize luxury development over local housing, and testifiers said Kānaka Maoli decision-making authority isn't guaranteed.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — August 5, 2026
A West Maui water coalition advocate told the committee that Lahaina's aquifer is at or beyond 90% of sustainable yield with saltwater intrusion in wells, and that new housing discussed today would add roughly 6 million gallons per day of demand. She urged the committee to apply its own 'show me the water' standard before approving more development.
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — July 29, 2026
The County is negotiating to buy MLP's water infrastructure, which would shift public stewardship of West Maui drinking water from about 45% to 93%. Supporters see it as reclaiming a public trust resource; critics worry about the price, bundled land entitlements, and liabilities from existing water agreements.
Council of the County of Maui — January 23, 2026
The Council gave final approval to a temporary ban on new private pools in West Maui, where the water system is running over 40% past reliable capacity during a stage-two shortage. A pool builder argued pools use less water than lawns; a community advocate said every pool equals water for homes.
Council of the County of Maui — January 7, 2026
Two bills advanced: a moratorium on new private pools in West Maui until 2030 (wildfire rebuilds exempt) and enforceable water conservation rules during shortage declarations. Testifiers stressed West Maui's water stress and the need for enforcement, not just voluntary conservation.
Related development
South Maui Community Plan Update (Bill 108, 2026)
If adopted as transmitted, the plan maps thousands of new homes across South Maui — residents say without first guaranteeing roads, water, stormwater, and evacuation capacity.
Acquisition of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc.'s water infrastructure assets in West Maui and Upcountry (MOU dated May 18, 2026)
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.
Maui Land & Pineapple water infrastructure acquisition (MLP MOU)
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.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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