Maui County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Maui County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Deteriorating rain catchment infrastructure on Kahoʻolawe
Two rusted water storage tanks at a rain catchment area can only hold a fraction of the roughly 3.5 million gallons that half-acre collection panels could gather, limiting restoration irrigation. A consultant is needed to assess repairs.
Recycled water and wastewater injection wells
New policies would require developments to connect to recycled (R-1) water systems where available, and move toward — not fully eliminate — wastewater injection wells, since state rules require backup capacity. Councilmember Cook noted many hotels already have dual meters ready for recycled water.
Expanding fare-free Maui Bus ridership (Bill 95)
Bill 95 makes bus rides free for more people — all students, County employees, and households up to 300% of the poverty level — and lets the county run fare-free days to boost ridership. It's part of the county's climate plan to get cars off the road, at a cost of roughly $40,000 a year in forgone fares.
Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station Relocation Loan
Bill 59 would authorize up to $2.5 million in state revolving fund loans to relocate Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 7 — part of keeping South Maui's sewer system working.
Waikapu Country Town wastewater timing
The developer testified it's seeking $3-5 million in design and permitting help for a temporary package wastewater plant in case the Central Maui facility isn't online by 2029-2030 — an insurance policy to keep roughly 600 housing units moving.
Wastewater and Water Supply Loan Agreements
Bills 59 and 60 would let the mayor sign state revolving fund loan agreements — up to $2.5 million for the Kihei Wastewater Pump Station No. 7 relocation and up to $10 million for countywide facility improvements.
Water rates and tiered billing concerns
Bed-and-breakfast operator Tom Crowley warned the top water tier — nearly $19.80 per unit over 50,000 gallons — punishes families hit by meter misreads and failing pressure regulators.
County vehicle and equipment maintenance on Lanai
Stanley Reiders said the county spends millions on equipment but has no baseyard to repair it on Lanai, which once caused trash pickup to stop when the mechanic couldn't come over.
Wastewater and Water Supply Loans
Bills 59 and 60 would authorize low-interest state loans — up to $2.5 million to relocate the Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 7 and up to $10 million for countywide water facility improvements.
East Maui Water Authority operations and FY2026 budget
The county's newest and smallest department is building staff, running community grants, and working through questions about watershed funding, water system acquisition and DLNR lease negotiations. Council members probed whether grant funding should grow and how infrastructure coordination with the Department of Water Supply will work.
County water conservation framework
Final approval of Bill 158 creates standing water conservation rules and shortage-response controls for the whole county.