Supporting Statement
The
Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the objectives of the State Water
Code which provide for regulation of threatened groundwater aquifers
and mandates the Counties to prepare and adopt water use and development
plans.
The Chamber feels that the County Board of Water Supply should plan
and prepare for permitted growth within Maui County in order to ensure
an adequate water supply when needed. The State, County, large landowners
and developers should cooperate to ensure that Maui’s water resources
are wisely used.
Water to support Maui’s agricultural economy is essential and
should not be taken for urban uses except in times of emergency.
II. The Maui Chamber of Commerce urges protection of our island groundwater resources from pollution.
Supporting Statement
Pollution of groundwater from various sources, nationwide, has become a serious problem. Agricultural chemicals and a vast number of other toxic chemical agents in widespread use pose a serious threat unless properly controlled. Our island location makes it even more important that constant monitoring be performed by appropriate government agencies.
III. The Maui Chamber of Commerce urges immediate action by the County and State to ensure sufficient quantities of reasonably priced agricultural water for the preservation of its Upcountry agricultural industry.
Supporting Statement
The
competition for high level water in Kula from growing urbanization and
the projected higher costs imposed by federal statutes on water quality
threaten Maui’s valuable Upcountry agricultural industry. Unlike
other locations, Maui’s Upcountry agricultural water is not subsidized
by the State. Two specific actions should be implemented:
1. Implement the recommendations of the Water Resource Study for Upcountry
Maui which identified needed future improvements needed for both urban
and agricultural users in the Upcountry area of Makawao and Kula.
2. Development of a non-potable water system for Upcountry farms.
IV. The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the development of alternative water sources from East Maui.
Supporting Statement
The Maui Chamber of Commerce understands that the development of water resources from East Maui will relieve the already over burdened Iao aquifer. Further, the development of the East Maui source will hopefully leave control of the Iao aquifer in the hands of the Maui County Water Board.