Rob Weltman

East Maui Water Under Renewed Attack by A&B

The people of East Maui have long awaited the full return of water to their streams. Almost all of their water has been taken by Alexander & Baldwin Company, which has been diverting millions of gallons of water every day for decades primarily for its commercial sugar production. We know there is more than enough water to ensure diversified agriculture (including hemp) on Maui, for healthy streams and a vibrant taro-growing community. There is more … Read more

Sierra Club Maui’s comments on Makena Resort Development Draft EA

From Sierra Club Maui Group PO Box 791180 Paia,HI 96779 Re: Comment on Makena Resort Development Draft EA Greetings Planning Commissioners, Planning Staff, Consultants and Applicants Sierra Club Maui has a number of concerns about the Draft EA for Makena Resort. It is lacking key information and also has statements regarding planned commitments in one section,that are never refered to in the body of the report. It’s as if the DEA discuses two different plans. … Read more

Sierra Club supports Maui’s electric utility recommendations

Sierra Club Supports Maui County’s Push for a New Utility Model Honolulu, Hawai‘i — Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa announced today that the county’s research shows that a new utility model, including a neutral “independent system operator” or cooperative ownership, would improve service, reduce rates, and promote clean energy. Marti Townsend, Director for the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i said: “We agree with the conclusions of Maui County’s study, that the people of Maui should seek … Read more

“Show Me the Water” was thoroughly researched – doesn’t need changes

The Council’s Water Resources Committee (with Michelle Anderson as chair)  issued a report in 2007 summarizing the in depth consultation that resulted in the County’s Water Availability policy being adopted in December of 2007. Even a brief read of it illustrates the hard work, broad range of input and broad support this law had. In summary, the WR committee met at least 14 times between July 2005 and the end of 2007 to shape this … Read more

New Maui Water Study

At the request of the Ulupono Initiative, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Jackson School of Geosciences has studied Maui’s water availability. A Systems Approach for Investigating Water, Energy, and Food Scenarios in East-Central Maui concludes: “The water availability for different scenarios is based upon the precipitation, surface water, and groundwater on the Eastern (Haleakala) portion of Maui. Most of the 330 million gallons per day (MGD) of average surface water runoff is already used for some purpose (see … Read more