The endemic Ohia Lehua trees are among native plants in Hawaiian ecosystems in wet and dry climates, including high elevation bogs. It is facing a threat from Rapid Ohia Death fungus. Maui County is looking at providing a water discount to native plant growers, in an effort to sustain and grow the native forest. Photo Courtesy Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Maui County water supply director John Stufflebean wants a new ordinance that provides a reduced rate for qualified native plant growers.

“The purpose of this amendment is to provide discounted water rates for customers who are using water solely for the purposes of conserving or restoring native Hawaiian species habitats without any associated commercial activity,” Stufflebean wrote in a letter to the Maui County Council.

The proposed measure is scheduled for discussion before the council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Native plants and animals play a key role in creating the watersheds for Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains where dyke-confined rainwater percolates to provide millions of gallons of ground water a day.

According to the county Department of Water Supply, the bill would benefit Maui County by increasing the efficiency of the hydrologic process in the watersheds. The restoration with native plants and trees could also have downstream benefits by helping to reduce flooding and erosion.

Stufflebean said two nonprofit agribusiness organizations applied for the agricultural water rate but did not meet the definition of an agricultural water consumer based on the county ordinance.

Stufflebean explained that at the advice of the Maui County Corporation Counsel’s office, he’s proposing developing a new rate for preservation and restoration.

Under the proposal, the county would charge $4.98 per 1,000 gallons for qualified growers of native plants. The rate is higher than the current rate for agricultural users but less than the rate paid by the preservation customers who are being charged under the single-family dwellings rate of $7.58 per 1,000 gallons.

Native plants and animals play a key role in creating the watersheds for Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains where dyke-confined rainwater percolates to provide millions of gallons of ground water a day.

According to the department, one native Hawaiian nursery has native trees such as Iliʻahi, Ohe Makai, Koa and Ohia — plants that are in high demand but limited in supply because they take some time to germinate and grow under the right conditions.

The department says expanding the art of growing native plants will not only help local businesses but is expected to provide more options and variety to customers who want to use less water-intensive native plants.

Anna Palomino, a Maui horticulturist, said supporting native plants is a “good thing,” especially with so many species on the brink of extinction.

Palomino works for the University of Hawaii as a horticulturist growing rare Hawaiian plants with the intent of preventing their extinction.