Wai and watershed recovery planning for Lahaina and Kula moku will plan for mauka to makai holistic restoration efforts for the well-being of the environment and people. This project is key to revitalizing the health of the environment and people, reducing fire and hazard risks for the community, increasing aquifer recharge, restoring native habitats, and maintaining the health of the coral reef ecosystem. Currently, there is a need for a watershed management plan that covers the Lahaina impact zone. The development of a watershed management plan can facilitate collaboration and project implementation across County, State, federal, and community groups and open pathways to funding sources. The community has also expressed interest in development and implementation of a community-led water plan, which focuses on water systems and community governance over water in West Maui. The goal for this project is to plan for key water and watershed restoration projects from mauka to makai, such as reforestation with native plants, fuels reduction of invasive grasses, restoration of stream flow, establishment of agroforestry and agriculture, flood control, and erosion control.

This project involves the creation of a Wai and Watershed Recovery Working Group for Lahaina and Kula moku comprised of various County, State, federal, and local community groups to discuss wai and watershed recovery current efforts and future needs. This project involves management planning for the watersheds of Lahaina moku, including Wahikuli, Kahoma, Kauaʻula, Launiupoko, Olowalu, Ukumehame, Papalaua, and Pohakea. It also involves community water planning in Lahaina moku for ecosystem function, water supply for community needs and watershed restoration activities.

• Identify individuals, agencies and groups to include in future working group discussions
• Identify funding options for working group facilitation and discussions. Hold working group meetings. Create a working group report and recommendations for watershed management activities.
• Identify funding options for water plans, watershed plans and studies
• Write a watershed management plan that covers the Lahaina burn zone
• Identify key priority projects and actions to restore Lahaina’s watershed from mauka to makai
• Increase County capacity to coordinate management of middle watershed areas in Lahaina

Maui ERC Project Crosswalk

• West Maui Water Management Plan
• Wai Dashboard