DLNR CLARIFIES PROPOSED EAST MAUI WATER LICENSES BEFORE BLNR
News Release from DLNR, Aug 11, 2026
HONOLULU – A modified version of the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) Friday, August 14 meeting agenda has been publicly circulating concerning proposed East Maui water licenses.
(See phony agenda below--Editor)
The document, titled “AGENDA FOR THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES” with “EDITED FOR BREVITY” in red text, is not an official meeting agenda issued by BLNR. The document contains red-text additions that do not appear in BLNR’s official agenda and should not be understood as statements or characterizations by BLNR or the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
“We want to ensure that the public has accurate information about what is actually before BLNR. We encourage anyone interested in this matter to review the official agenda and staff submittal and provide testimony to BLNR,” said BLNR Chairperson Ryan Kanakaʻole.
Item D-7 does not ask BLNR to award a 30-year water license to Mahi Pono. The item asks BLNR to authorize a public auction for a water license for certain government surface waters in East Maui. It also seeks approval of a separate water license to the County of Maui for domestic, municipal and agricultural purposes and a related delegation concerning an agreement for the operation, maintenance and monitoring of the East Maui Irrigation System.
Anyone wishing to review the official agenda and submittals to be considered by the BLNR at its Friday, August 14, 2026, meeting is encouraged to visit the DLNR’s LAND BOARD SUBMITTALS – 08/14/26 web page:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/meetings/blnr-meetings-2026/land-board-submittals-08-14-26/
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State opposing county plan for East Maui water system
HNN Aug 11, 2026: … The county has been seeking state approval to negotiate a takeover of that system and create a unified county water distribution system. The state is now opposing that move….
Mahi Pono, which operates the East Maui Irrigation system through a subsidiary, used the same OHA meeting to defend its position that the state should retain oversight of the ditch system.
Mahi Pono general manager Grant Nakama said the state is better positioned to manage it.
“I think where we disagree is that we feel that that’s the state’s purview — they have the experience and resources to continue to do that job,” Nakama said….
During his presentation, Nakama said Mahi Pono would not receive water until other users are satisfied first.
“Mahi Pono doesn’t get any water until every other use is satisfied, and I think that is important to remember,” Nakama said….
MN: State land board rejects 30-year East Maui water-license auction, moves ahead with contested-case : Maui Now
CB: 'Locked Out': 30-Year Maui Water Lease Back On The Table For Private Company - Honolulu Civil Beat
LN: Today: East Maui Water Back on the Agenda With Controversial SolutionToday: East Maui Water Back on the Agenda With Controversial Solution
Read … State opposing county plan for East Maui water system | Hawaii News Now