The Maui News

A Maui County Council committee is now taking applications for an 11-member board that will oversee water operations in East Maui.

The East Maui Regional Community Board will appoint the director and set policies for the new East Maui Community Water Authority, which is responsible for a long-range watershed management plan. The council’s Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee will vet the board applications, according to a council news release Tuesday.

The board was created by a charter amendment that voters approved in the Nov. 8 election.

“I would like to thank Maui County voters for supporting this charter amendment,” said Council Member Shane Sinenci, who holds the East Maui residency seat and proposed the amendment. “In this era of climate change and aging infrastructure, we must manage our resources responsibly to bring more water to residents and farmers.”

The 11-member East Maui Regional Community Board will be concerned with the Nahiku, Keanae, Honomanu and Huelo license areas, with each license area represented by at least two board members.

Additionally, one board member must be engaged in ranching, farming, aquaculture or loko ia in the Upcountry water system service area; another must reside in the Upcountry water system service area; and another must be a representative of the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

The council will appoint seven members, and the mayor will appoint four.

The application form is available at www.mauicoun

ty.us/emrcbapplication/.

For more information, email wassp.committee@mauicounty.us or contact Sinenci’s office at (808) 248-7513.