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The newly restored flows to Wailuku River in October 2014. (Kapua Sproat / Earthjustice)
From the Experts: Victory December 10, 2024

Hawaiʻi High Court Sides with Native Community Groups in Water Dispute

The decision bolsters Hawaiʻi’s public trust framework, a legal doctrine establishing that natural resources must be protected for public use
Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake speaks at the Navahine + Hawai’i Department of Transportation youth climate settlement celebration at ‘Iolani Palace on June 24th, 2024. (Elyse Butler for Earthjustice)
Article October 30, 2024

5 Questions: Attorney Isaac Moriwake Reflects on Landmark Hawai‘i Cases

Isaac Moriwake, longtime environmental attorney at Earthjustice, reflects on recent cases that now have potential to improve on the status quo.
The newly restored flows to Wailuku River in October 2014. (Kapua Sproat / Earthjustice)
Press Release: Victory June 24, 2024

Hawai‘i’s High Court Issues Another Historic Ruling in Maui “Four Waters” Case

State Water Commission failed to restore stream flows after closure of last sugar plantation
document June 20, 2024

Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Maui Na Wai Eha Stream Opinion

We therefore vacate the Commission’s Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision and Order issued June 28, 2021, as amended by Errata issued June 30, 2021, with respect to…
In the News: The Guardian August 17, 2023

Why was there no water to fight the fire in Maui?

An opinion piece by Naomi Klein and Kapuaʻala Sproat. Naomi Klein is the professor of climate justice and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice at the University of British Columbia. Kapuaʻala Sproat is a Professor of Law at Ka Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law Center & the Environmental Law…
In the News: The Garden Island December 20, 2021

BLNR renews KIUC permit despite local opposition

Leina‘ala Ley, Attorney, Mid-Pacific Office, Earthjustice: “KIUC admits it has not used water from the two diversions for the past two and a half years, and will not be able to use water for the foreseeable future because it has not repaired the siphon and it does not have plans,…
In the News: Honolulu Star Advertiser June 30, 2021

Battle might not be pau over Maui stream water

Isaac Moriwake, Managing Attorney, Mid-Pacific Office, Earthjustice: “This is a model for 21st-century water management for all of Hawaii. We owe it to the community who carried the burden for this, and to future generations, to get it right.”
In the News: Hawaii News Now June 29, 2021

In historic decision, commission fundamentally changes water distribution system in West Maui

Isaac Moriwake, Managing Attorney, Mid-Pacific Office, Earthjustice: “There’s no question that this is a historic move forward, in terms of shifting from the old plantation paradigm of draining rivers and streams dry to now recognizing the need to protect flowing rivers and streams.”
Local citizens jumped into the Wailuku River (`Īao Stream) to celebrate the return of stream flows in 2014. (Photo courtesy of Oha)
Press Release June 29, 2021

Hawai‘i Water Commission Issues Historic Decision on Maui's “Four Great Waters”

Community groups flag concerns on further corrections and improvements needed
document June 28, 2021

Hawai‘i Water Commission Issues Historic Decision on Maui's "Four Great Waters"

Hawai‘i Water Commission 2021 Decision on Maui's "Four Great Waters"
Mount Waiʻaleʻale is a place of paramount sacredness in Hawaiian culture. (Maxim Kabb / Getty Images)
Press Release August 22, 2018

Historic Restoration of Wai‘ale‘ale Water on Kauaʻi Heads to Litigation

Kauaʻi utility pulls plug on state water commission’s discussions to increase stream flows
feature June 28, 2017

Island Revival: Water Returns to Hawai'i's People

As Big Sugar plantations release their grip on the islands, local and Native Hawaiian communities are reclaiming their water rights and restoring their deep-rooted ties to the land.
The Waimea canyon and river in Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi(Martin M303/Shutterstock)
Article May 5, 2017

Waimea Water Deal Is a ‘Win-Win-Win’ for Hawai‘i

For the first time in more than 100 years, the Waimea River will flow from mountain to sea—thanks to successful mediation, not years of litigation.
document April 18, 2017

Mediation Agreement for the Waimea Watershed Area

Agreement concluding a year-long mediation involving Pōʻai Wai Ola, the state-run Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Kekaha Agriculture Association, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and the Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative. Under…
Waimea River and Canyon. (Ray Wan / Earthjustice)
Press Release: Victory April 18, 2017

Flows Restored To Waimea River And “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”

Historic agreement approved by the State of Hawai‘i’s Commission on Water Resource Management will end wasteful plantation-era water diversions
Water rights heroes John and Rose Marie Duey at home in ‘Īao Valley with taro growing behind them. (Sterling Kini Wong, Office of Hawaiian Affairs)
Article September 9, 2016

Maui Couple Plants a Taro Patch, Grows a Movement for Hawaiian Water Rights

It was like a horrible dream: Native Hawaiians fined for growing food and practicing their culture.
document March 9, 2016

Petition: Citizens Take Action To Increase Flows In Maui’s “Four Great Waters”

Maui community groups Hui o Nā Wai ʻEhā and Maui Tomorrow Foundation, represented by Earthjustice, filed a legal petition to the state Commission on Water Resource Management to increase the…
Wailuku River (ʻĪao Stream) flowing naturally above all diversions at the ʻĪao Needle State Park.(Photo used with permission)
Press Release March 9, 2016

Citizens Take Action To Increase Flows In Maui’s “Four Great Waters”

Plantation closure provides opportunities for more sustainable and just agriculture