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Water Source Development
Inform
High
High
Design
County
State
County & State
Private
Drinking Water
“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
Purpose
This project aims to increase availability of water to meet community needs. Expanding water availability serves the needs of the community and provides for increased resilience. The draft Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan (2019) adopted strategies to maximize surface water production up to treatment plant capacity when stream flow allows (as the most affordable water supply) and develop sufficient wells to rely on in dry season. This project will aid in the mitigation of drought impacts on the water supply. Additionally, it will enable the use of the Kanahā stream for ecosystem restoration projects as part of rebuilding Lahaina. Increased well capacity will also provide additional water flow for fire suppression.
Project Description
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. The project includes the following components:
- Honokowai Tunnel Intake and Transmission Line
The 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. The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) has determined that water from the 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
The project will include development of two well fields in the Launiupoko aquifer and two well fields in the Honolua aquifer to provide additional supply to the Lahaina area to ensure adequate water supply.
Interdependencies and Roadblocks
Uncertainty over water use permit allocations from Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) CWRM to accommodate new water source development in West Maui, requiring further coordination. There are also private property concerns.
Next Steps
- Secure water use permits to develop drinking water wells in Launiupoko and Honolua aquifers. Engineering and construction are upcoming for development of the wells
- Design is anticipated to take place from 2024 to 2026 with construction to be completed by 2028
Project Details
Cost Estimate:
Tunnel Improvements: $4.4 million Wells Development: - Launiupoko: $23.8 million - Honolua: $12.8 million
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
Potential Funding Sources:
- County Department of Water Supply Capital Revolving Fund
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant
Project Partners:
- County Department of Public Works
- State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Commission on Water Resource Management
Alignment with West Maui Community Plan (WMCP)
- Goal 2.1 Ready and resilient systems
- Action 1.29 Develop basal groundwater sources in West Maui to timely serve planned population growth and offset decreased surface water diversions
- Action 1.30 Improve interconnection between Department of Water Supply subsystems in West Maui