Big Island Showdown: Single Corporation Could Control East Maui's Water for Next 30 Years

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is set to make a critical decision this week that could have far-reaching implications for the island of Maui. At the center of the contentious issue is a proposal to grant a 30-year water lease in East Maui, with a single large private company being considered as the potential beneficiary.

The move has sparked intense debate among local residents, conservationists, and indigenous communities, who argue that the lease could lead to the exploitation of the island's natural resources and undermine the rights of Native Hawaiians. "This is not just about water; it's about the future of our island and the well-being of our people," said a local resident who preferred to remain anonymous.

The water lease in question involves the famous East Maui Aqueduct, a decades-old infrastructure project that has been used to transport water from the lush rainforests of East Maui to the island's arid regions. The aqueduct has been critical to the island's agricultural industry, but it has also been the subject of controversy over the years, with many accusing the state of mismanaging the resource and prioritizing the interests of private corporations over those of local communities.

The prospect of a single corporation controlling the island's water resources for the next 30 years has raised red flags among environmentalists and community leaders. "This is a recipe for disaster," said a local environmental activist. "We're talking about a corporation that is only interested in making a profit, not in protecting the public interest or preserving the environment."

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has argued that the lease is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the island's water resources. However, many are skeptical of this claim, arguing that the board is simply trying to justify the privatization of a public resource. "This is not about sustainability; it's about greed," said a local resident who has been following the issue closely.

As the board prepares to make its decision, the community is holding its breath. The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for the island of Maui and the state of Hawaii as a whole. "We're not just fighting for our island; we're fighting for our future," said a local activist.

The hearing is set to take place this week, and local residents are urged to attend and make their voices heard. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the fate of Maui's water resources hangs in the balance, and the consequences of this decision will be felt for generations to come.