Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, shown here looking over Olowalu water assets, announced Wednesday that a proposal has been submitted to the Maui County Council to acquire water assets from Launiupoko Water Co. and Olowalu Water Co. as part of a broader effort to increase public stewardship of West Maui drinking water systems. Photo courtesy Maui County

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen has submitted a proposal to the Maui County Council to acquire water assets from Launiupoko Water Co. and Olowalu Water Co. for $6 million, according to the mayor’s office.

In a Wednesday news release, the mayor’s office said the proposal is the second phase of a broader effort to increase public stewardship of West Maui drinking water systems from 45% to 93%, while supporting housing development for residents.

“This is a generational investment in Maui’s future — the choices we make today should leave our children and grandchildren with a stronger, more secure community,” Bissen said in a news release.

“By bringing these water systems into the public trust, we are protecting one of our most essential resources and ensuring it is stewarded for the benefit of our people,” he continued. “If approved by Maui County Council, this acquisition will move us significantly closer to that goal while supporting affordable housing, agriculture, emergency preparedness, Native Hawaiian traditional and cultural practices, environmental stewardship and the long-term well-being of our communities.”

The assets proposed for acquisition include four potable wells, two nonpotable shaft wells, tanks, reservoirs, booster pumps and about 16 miles of potable water mains and three miles of nonpotable water mains, according to the mayor’s office.

If the acquisition is completed, the county would provide water to about 480 potable customers and 72 nonpotable customers.

The county is proposing to purchase water assets from Launiupoko Water Co. Photo courtesy Maui County

During his State of the County address in March, Bissen said the county was in negotiations with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc., Kamehameha Schools and West Maui Land to acquire key water system assets, including the Olowalu and Launiupoko irrigation and water companies.

The first phase of the county’s broader effort was announced May 18, when the administration said it had entered into a memorandum of understanding with Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. to acquire the company’s West Maui water infrastructure.

If the proposals are successful, water systems in West Maui, including both drinking and irrigation systems, would transition from 25% to 65% publicly owned, according to the mayor’s office.

The resolution will be scheduled for a public hearing and consideration by Maui County Council.