Wai and Watershed Recovery Planning
“Fresh water belongs to the public; redirect the watershed to parched lands.”
Community Quote from Long-Term Planning Recovery Survey
Project Description and Purpose
Wai and watershed recovery planning for Lahaina moku and Kula moku will plan for mauka to makai holistic restoration efforts for the well-being of the environment and people. 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 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
This project also involves community water planning in Lahaina moku for ecosystem function, water supply for community needs and water supply for watershed restoration activities. 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.
Kaua‘ula Valley, Remnant Stream by Kepā Maly
Interdependencies, Roadblocks and Next Steps
Many government agencies, community groups, and private landowners remain siloed but groups must work together for holistic mauka to makai recovery and longterm success. At the core of most recovery efforts are questions of the future of Lahaina’s wai and water supply and its potential use and/or purpose. Urban development and natural resources stewardship is another challenge; development requires land and water, which places strain on natural resources and activities like reforestation, conservation, agriculture and food security, restoring stream flow, and recharging the groundwater aquifer. Oftentimes, funding for studies, planning and implementation is limited as economic benefits of wai and watershed planning aren’t recognized.
Project Details
Cost Estimate
$TBD
Potential Funding Sources
- Cooperative Watershed Management Program
- Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program
- Philanthropic
- County, State and Federal Partners
Existing Funding Sources
State Department of Health applied to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Technical Assistance Grants
Project Lead
County Department of Agriculture
County Department of Water Supply
Project Partners
West Maui Ridge to Reef
County Department of Water Supply
County Department of Public Works
State Department of Land and Natural Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resource Conservation Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Kamehameha Schools
Ku’ia Agricultural Educational Center
West Maui Land
Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation
Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed Partnership
Kipuka Olowalu
Kula Community Watershed Alliance
Hawaiʻi Association of Watershed Partnerships
Living Pono Project (Pu’u Kukui Watershed)
Economic Recovery Commission
State Department of Health, Surface Water Protection Branch