Hawaiʻi's Water Under Attack

In case you have not heard, the Governor has decided to "reassign" the state water deputy, Kaleo Manuel, after Civil Beat uncritically recited speculative insinuation from West Maui Land Company that he had somehow delayed water needed for fire-fighting efforts in West Maui.

As community leaders clarified, this was a completely unfounded representation, and Professor Kapua Sproat, who has been working with folks in Maui Komohana has also eloquently described the real causes underlying the horrible tragedy in Lahaina (along with co-author Naomi Klein).  

Yet Governor Green and Water Commission Chair Dawn Chang have now removed former Deputy Manuel, potentially permanently, from his role as the water commission deputy.

In a way this is not unexpected. Deputy Manuel has seen more progress in the implementation of the state water code during his tenure than we have seen since its inception 40 years ago. A list of just some of his accomplishments that have or would have tremendously benefited ʻōiwi communities throughout the islands can be found here. Unfortunately, this has also made him a priority target for corporate water diverters like West Maui Land Company, Maui Land and Pineapple, etc. who have now used their political connections and this horrible tragedy to roll back the historic progress made in restoring the public trust in water - something that will take potentially decades to get back.  

The public trust in our water, that recognizes the preciousness of this source of life, is more important to uphold now than ever before. As you all probably know, the destabilization of our climate means that achieving water security must be paramount, and that our best chance of a livable future means restoring ʻōiwi science, practices, and values in the management of our ʻāina and wai. The predatory disaster capitalism reflected in what is coming out of West Maui strikes an unacceptable blow to the future of our children and our home.  

Much more will come out in the days ahead, but in the meantime, please message Governor Green using this link* and urge him to reinstate Kaleo Manuel. Share this message with your friends and family and urge them to call the Governor.

*As of 1:45pm on 8/17 it appears his phone line has been disconnected but you can also try to call him at 808-586-0034.