Yesteryear 2008
Water panel imposes precedent-setting flow standards for eight streamsArticle Photos
The state Commission on Water Resource Management was active all year on Maui, culminating in September with a precedent-setting order to restore 12.21 million gallons a day of water into eight East Maui streams.
That was far from the last word.
The order was a partial and interim response to a petition filed by East Maui taro growers calling on the commission to establish permanent instream flow standards for 27 East Maui streams.
The order by the commission was to establish an interim flow standard for the eight streams its staff had been able to analyze. The instream standards provide for restoration of habitat for native freshwater species and for scenic and recreational values and needs of downstream users.
The water commission decision issued in September requires the staff to monitor the results of the decision before the commission will determine a permanent flow standard for each of the streams and for the remaining 19 East Maui streams.
The commission also is considering a petition to set instream flow standards in Na Wai Eha, four streams flowing out of the West Maui watershed - but has a different strategy for the Waihee, Waiehu, Iao and Waikapu streams. The commission in 2003 approved a petition to designate the surface waters as a state water management district that requires all existing users to apply for permits to take water from the streams.
At the same time, the panel is reviewing the petition of Hui O Na Wai Eha to establish instream flow standards and conducted a series of hearings taking testimony on existing stream uses during the year.
Water Commission Chairwoman Laura Thielen said the East Maui decision "is a monumental change" that will have effects across the state. It will set precedent for stream diversions on all islands.
The decision also means less water for East Maui Irrigation and Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. and more for taro farmers.
The petition by the East Maui taro growers to set standards was based on state constitutional and Water Code provisions that aim to establish riparian rights of streamside landowners, preserve stream habitats for native species and allow for economic use of stream waters.
The commission's decisions involved five hydrological units, Honopou, Hanehoi, Piinaau, Waiokamilo and Wailuanui, which contain a total of eight streams.
