Let Huelo streams flow, submit testimony now
For the first time ever, the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) is considering adopting meaningful instream flow standards for 12 streams in the Huelo area: Kōlea, Punalu‘u, Ka‘aiea, ‘O‘opuola, Puehu, Nailiilihaele, Kailua, Hanawana, Hoalua, Waipi‘o, Mokupapa, and Ho‘olawa.
Please testify on Tuesday and let the Water Commission know how vital it is to restore healthy, flowing water to our streams. At present, 100% of the baseflow may be removed from these streams, leaving them completely dewatered for large portions of the year.
We expect CWRM to make a decision by the end of the year - perhaps as early as September.
CWRM has listened to reports on the assessed ecological and recreational value of these streams - but the Water Commission needs to hear from you. Majority of these decision makers are not located on Maui, and they need perspectives from the community and those with personal connection with these streams to make balanced, informed decisions.
Please submit written testimony today to raenn.p.hyatt@hawaii.gov and testify via Zoom on Tuesday, August 16 to help give a voice to the communities and ecosystems that have been impacted by long-term diversions and would like to see water returned to the streams. Sample testimony below.
More water means more habitat for native stream species, increased nearshore marine abundance, opportunities for local farming, more water available for East Maui communities, and more opportunity for Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, as well as spiritual and recreational enjoyment.
Streams have a right to flowing water. Please support this historic opportunity for more water to remain in East Maui watersheds.
Commission on Water Resource Management Meeting
Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 9am
Agenda item C-1
*Note: The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m., but live testimony is taken as each agenda item is discussed, and this topic is the 3rd agenda item.
Email raeann.p.hyatt@hawaii.gov for requests to testify live via Zoom and to submit your written testimony. Include your: Name, email address, agenda item (C-1)
Sample testimony:
Aloha Chairperson Suzanne Case and members of the Commission on Water Resources Management,
I want to see water restored to East Maui streams. No stream should run dry - and right now all of the streams under petition are allowed to be completely dewatered. Flowing streams create healthy ecosystems from mauka to makai, provide habitat to various native stream species, and boost nearshore marine abundance. Healthy, flowing stream ecosystems give life to nearby communities, providing freshwater for domestic use and local farming, and provide opportunity for Native Hawaiian traditional and customary agricultural and gathering practices, as well as increased spiritual and recreational enjoyment.
Commercial institutions will always have a high capacity to speak up for their interests, but the needs of our ecosystems and values of our communities are so often underrepresented. Please consider this as you make your decision, and please be generous in the flow standards you set for these streams. Remember that a large percentage of the diverted water is regularly wasted, and this could be mitigated by better management practices. Our ecosystems and communities depend on you!
Mahalo nui for the opportunity to testify on agenda item C-1, and for the vital work that you are doing.
E ola i ka wai.