We did it! BLNR defers proposed lease for Mahi Pono

Mahalo nunui to everyone who wrote testimony, testified verbally, and spread the word about the attempt last week to begin the process of leasing East Maui's streams to Canada-based PSP Investments, dba Mahi Pono, for the next three decades.

Thanks to the hundreds if not thousands of Maui county residents and individuals from across the islands who took action in support of the public trust in water, the Land Board voted unanimously to defer the proposed leasing process for 6 months. This will give the community-based ʻAha Wai o Maui Hikina, or East Maui Community Water Authority, time to continue preparing to take control of the East Maui diversion infrastructure and ensure that the public interest, and not private profit, is prioritized in the management of our public trust water resources.

Please stay tuned! Next month, the Land Board will consider the issuance of another one-year revocable permit for Mahi Pono to divert East Maui's streams thru 2026.  Whether it will finally address years-long concerns about the ongoing waste of millions of gallons of diverted stream water per day, the continued draining of streams ordered restored by the Water Commission, and Mahi Pono's unsubstantiated and unrealistic water demands, among others, will depend on continued community engagement. 

In the meantime, sign up to our email newsletter below to stay up to date on all our water rights issues. Mahalo nui again for all of your incredible work in protecting our wai.