Commission could restore 34.5 million gallons a day to Na Wai Eha

WAILUKU -- State Commission on Water Resource Management Hearings Officer and Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Miike has issued a "proposed decision" that would restore 34.5 million gallons of water a day to Na Wai Eha, or the four major streams of Central Maui.

If supported by the seven-member commission, the plan would put back about half of the up to 70 million gallons of water diverted each day from the streams by former sugar plantations and the County of Maui for agricultural use and public consumption.

Environmental legal advocacy agency Earthjustice had petitioned the commission on behalf of community groups Hui o Na Wai Eha, Maui Tomorrow and state Office of Hawaiian Affairs to restore water to the streams in order to bolster native aquatic life and support other water users like taro farmers.

Miike's "proposed decision" was announced Saturday in a press release by Earthjustice.

Na Wai Eha are made up of the Waihee River and Waiehu, Iao and Waikapu streams.

Earthjustice attorney Isaac Moriwake said he expects the commission to have a final decision by the end of 2009.