'Aha Wai O Maui Hikina, East Maui Regional Community Board meeting Sept. 26

The East Maui Water Authority (EMWA) invites all community members to attend its upcoming ʻAha Wai O Maui Hikina East Maui Regional Community Board Meeting scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Keʻanae Uka, 13375 Hāna Highway, Keʻanae.

Key topics of discussion will include:

• Information about upcoming grant opportunities through EMWA.

• Summary of community engagement from June meetings, including an overview of the feedback and discussions gathered during sessions held in Keʻanae, Kula and Haʻikū with the Public Finance Initiative. Opportunity for community to provide additional testimony and feedback.

• Update from the EMWA, including progress on the department's operations.

This meeting is an opportunity for East Maui water stakeholders and the public to stay informed and engaged with EMWA and ʻAha Wai O Maui Hikina. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share thoughts.

Maui County residents in November 2022 voted to amend the Maui County Charter to establish the Department of the East Maui Water Authority. Guided by the department's community board, the 'Aha Wai O Maui Hikina Board, which represents the Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Honomanū and Huelo communities, EMWA launched in November 2024. The department is tasked with developing watershed management plans and acquiring and managing water systems to ensure efficient and sustainable distribution of local water resources. Its work to steward East Maui water resources centers on environmentally sustainable practices, local expertise and Hawaiian cultural and generational knowledge.

For more information about September's meeting, contact Gina Young at [email protected]