Ask the Health Department to give the Lahaina community more time
The tragic loss of all that Lahaina was home to continues to weigh heavy in our hearts. As the crisis continues to unfold, we send our aloha and thoughts to the thousands of families, community groups, schools, and businesses that have been impacted and seen such deep loss. We have listed a few resources and mutual aids below and additional resources have been shared on the Hawaiʻi Chapter's Instagram.
It is difficult to carry on in trying times like these and it is with that sentiment that we humbly ask those that are in a place to, to speak up for the health of West Maui’s ocean waters. The Lahaina community needs more time to recover from the fires and weigh in on this first of a kind federal clean water permit that will set the standards for cleaner, healthier ocean waters. The public comment period is set to end this coming Monday, August 14.
The community of Lahaina, kānaka maoli cultural users, ocean advocates, and many others have fought for decades to protect the coral reefs along Kahekili Beach Park and the nearshore waters of Hā‘enanui. Now, with the permitting process upon us, the community deserves the extra time it needs given this week's fires to see through the next steps of the protection it has fought so hard for.
Sample message and contact info below.
Email: cleanwaterbranch@doh.hawaii.gov
Subject: Please extend the public comment period for the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility, NPDES No. HI 0021848
Message:
Aloha,
I kindly ask that the public comment period for the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility proposed NPDES permit be extended by at least a month. This week's fires have uprooted the community of Lahaina and others around Maui and most will be unable to provide comments on a matter that would, under other circumstances, be of utmost importance to them. I also ask that whether or not the comment period is extended, that the Department of Health hold a public meeting regarding the proposed permit.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Our hearts continue to go out to the thousands impacted by this week's fires on Maui ❤️🩹. Please considering donating to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement's matching donation fund and check this resource from the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action and friends for additional fundraisers, donation drop-off sites, people locator, and more.