Upcountry we are always on water restrictions every year. No other areas have restrictions as much as Upcountry.
I strongly feel these rate increases discussed in times of drought will cause harm to many Maui residents. The problem is storage and lack of wells, along with delivery systems.
Maui County has been kicking the can down the road on water for over 30 years. When I arrived in 1979, thankfully the government leaders in the 1960s had put in place much of the infrastructure for water. Our county has done very little since the mid-1970s to increase capacity.
I feel that the simplest way to solve the water issue is by floating bonds under capital improvements to increase capacity so no shortages would exist, making all residents equally responsible for improvements. Currently, the interest rates are very low, the county has great bond rating and our finances are good. It is time to make the improvements in our water infrastructure - not by increasing rates in times of drought on individuals.
All of Maui needs to participate. This is how it was done before by the wise leaders in the past. For 30 years, councils have said they would fix the shortage problem.
A bond float and planning with wells, storage capacity and collecting rain runoff being added to make the island water availability immediately increased. Then we will be prepared in event of severe drought.
Dennis Fitzpatrick
Makawao
