Also at its June meeting, the commission approved a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey for a $100,000 study to determine what kinds of data should be collected to determine impacts of native and non-native plant species on … Continued
When, exactly, should an environmental assessment or impact statement be done for a state action? Regarding the century-long diversion of water from dozens of East Maui streams for sugarcane and now diversified agriculture and municipal uses, Alexander & Baldwin’s efforts … Continued
The following article was originally printed in our August 1997 edition. In the decades since, it is one of our many early pieces that have served as a good primer on the complex and convoluted discussions regarding East Maui stream … Continued
Finally! An ‘Ohi‘a Rust Rule: In 2005, a new invader to the islands was discovered on trees in the myrtle family, including Hawai‘i’s iconic ‘ohi‘a tree. Some species, especially rose apple, were devastated by Puccinia psidii, a rust-type fungus that appears to … Continued
The Supreme Court’s April decision in a case involving effluent from the Lahaina, Maui, sewage treatment plant may have ramifications for a host of other facilities in Hawai‘i. That ruling found that where there was a close connection between the … Continued
Nearly a year ago, the Board of Land and Natural Resources granted a 55-year easement and a right-of-entry permit to allow a non-profit group of Hanalei taro farmers to repair and maintain the ancient, pre-contact Hawaiian irrigation system that they rely on … Continued
Last November, Wailuku Water Company (WWC) president Avery Chumbley told the Commission on Water Resource Management that his company doesn’t have enough money to make the kinds of improvements needed to better control the water flowing through the irrigation system he operates. … Continued
For years, Wailuku Water Company (WWC) has been trying to get Maui County to take over its irrigation system. Maui mayors have repeatedly included in their proposed budgets $9.5 million to purchase the company’s lands and infrastructure, but the County … Continued
“No pressure, but history is in your hands,” attorney Pamela Bunn told the Commission on Water Resource Management during oral arguments in the Na Wai Eha contested case hearing, held November 19 in Wailuku. Fifteen years after Earthjustice, on behalf … Continued
The law firm Earthjustice has petitioned the state Commission on Water Resource Management in an effort to halt what it says is the waste of stream water on Moloka‘i. Moloka‘i Ranch takes the water from seven intakes on four streams … Continued