East Maui Water Authority grants available for community and watershed stewardship

The County of Maui Department of the East Maui Water Authority (EMWA) is launching its inaugural grant program and inviting applications from individuals, nonprofits and for-profit businesses for projects that support watershed restoration, education, research and cultural knowledge-sharing in Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Honomanū and Huelo. The grant period will run from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.

Applications will be accepted Oct. 1 through 5 p.m. Nov. 5, 2025.

To help guide residents through the application process and answer questions, two free EMWA sessions will be held, including an in-person workshop Oct. 1, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Haʻikū Community Center and an online meeting Oct. 8, 2025, from 4 to 5 p.m. via Microsoft Teams (visit mauicounty.gov/2859/EMWA-Grants-Program for link; no registration needed).

Grants Program guidelines and requirements will be listed on the EMWA grants webpage. Activities eligible for support include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Watershed restoration and stewardship (care of ʻauwai, loʻi kalo, invasive species control and other forms of mālama ʻāina)

• Community education and cultural knowledge-sharing (e.g., documenting, sharing and amplifying ʻike kupuna)

• Data collection and research (streamflow monitoring, rainfall monitoring and related studies)

More information, including grant application forms, can be found on the EMWA webpage by Oct. 1: mauicounty.gov/2859/EMWA-Grants-Program. Forms and information may be requested by calling (808) 793-9785 or emailing [email protected].

Applications submitted by email or by hand delivery must be received by 5 p.m. Nov. 5, 2025. The grant program is unable to accept late applications and extension requests. Contact EMWA staff in advance to schedule an appointment to hand deliver a completed application. Mailed applications must be postmarked by Nov. 5, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to confirm with EMWA staff that their application has been received.

About EMWA

In November 2022, Maui County residents 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 information, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/emwa.