Aloha e Chair Chang and members of the Board of Land and Natural Resources,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the approval of Alexander & Baldwin’s (A&B) request for a long-term lease to divert 85.23 million gallons of water per day from East Maui streams. This amount far exceeds the 31.5 million gallons per day currently allowed under their existing permit, which is based on water usage data from A&B, and would significantly harm the health of East Maui’s streams and communities for decades.
I urge the Board not to issue this long-term lease until A&B, East Maui Irrigation (EMI), and Mahi Pono take immediate steps to reduce the excessive water waste that is happening every day. It is unacceptable that such large quantities of water are being wasted while communities, farmers, and natural ecosystems struggle to get the water they need.
Additionally, I ask the Board to enforce compliance with the Water Commission’s order to restore more water to the diverted streams now, before any long-term lease is considered. A&B, EMI, and Mahi Pono must demonstrate that they can responsibly manage the water they are currently allowed to take before being granted more.
Lastly, the proposed lease does not reflect the will of Maui County voters, who made it clear that they want the long-term lease to be issued to the community-based East Maui Regional Community Water Authority.
Thank you for allowing me to testify on this important matter.
Sincerely,
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