Water Source Development
“Develop a water system that provides adequate water to all and does not depend only on rainfall (desalination plants, wells that provide a lot of water such as the one proposed in upcountry).”
Community Quote from Long-Term Planning Recovery Survey
Project Description and Purpose
This project will expand water use and availability by increasing access to existing ground water sources and establishing new connections to the County’s potable water system.
- Honokowai Tunnel Intake And Transmission Line
Project would provide a new potable water source by constructing a horizontal tunnel and skimmer well to capture groundwater in Honokowai Valley. No further treatment would be required. CWRM has determined that water from tunnel does not impact stream flows, as stream flows for Honokowai Valley are generated farther upstream. Project benefits include diversification of source, redundancy within the system and provides a lower-cost source alternative than drilling a new well.
- Lahaina Wells Development:
Launiupoko Well #1 and #2, Honolua Well H1 and H2
The project will include development of two well fields in Launiupoko aquifer and two well fields in Honolua aquifer to provide additional supply to the Lahaina area to ensure adequate water supply.
Drinking Water
Interdependencies, Roadblocks and Next Steps
Uncertainty over water use permit allocations from DLNR CWRM to accommodate new water source development in West Maui, requiring further coordination. There are also private property concerns.
Project Details
Cost Estimate
Wells Development: $36,600,000 Tunnel Improvements: $4,400,000
Potential Funding Sources
- County Department of Water Supply Capital Revolving Fund
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant
Existing Funding Sources
- Commission on Water Resource Management - Partial Funding
- County Department of Water Supply Capital Revolving Fund
- County Department of Water Supply Capital Improvement Program
Project Lead
County Department of Water Supply
Project Partners
State Department of Land and Natural Resources - Commission on Water Resource Management
County Department of Public Works