Earthjustice petitioned the state Commission on Water Resource Management to establish instream flow standards that would sustain beneficial instream uses, such as ecological protection, Native Hawaiian practices, recreation, and scenic values, for Na Wai Eha (The Four Great Waters) in Central Maui. The petition demanded that the water currently being hoarded and wasted by private companies be returned to the streams of origin.
In March 2008, the Commission decided to take over management of the four waters of Na Wai Eha. The decision means that those diverting water or planning to divert water from these streams will have to apply for a permit.
In June 2010, a majority of the Commission, over a strong dissent, issued a decision returning minimal flows to two of the four streams and leaving the other two dewatered, without any restored flows. The next step is a court appeal challenging the decision.
Press Releases
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Hawaiʻi high court upholds the public trust and Hawaiian rights in Nā Wai ʻEhā
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
County's acceptance of Environmental Impact Statement is invalidated
Monday, July 12, 2010
Decline of plantations means time to restore native rivers and streams is now
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Dissenting Water Commissioner declares a failure of state's public trust duties
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Citizens encouraged by proposed ruling over island water resources
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Former plantation profiting from stream diversions, now under regulation
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
State designates the "Four Waters" of Maui for public management
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Companies' attempts to monopolize water violate the public trust
Thursday, June 1, 2006
FY 07 Budget includes funding to appraise and acquire plantation watersheds & assets
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Settlement includes commitment to seek acquisition of plantation water systems