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Objective analysis is needed to create effective public policy -- and there is no more important public policy goal in Maui County than ensuring the availability of clean, plentiful water for our residents, farmers and other users.
That's why I've called for a study of East Maui Irrigation water system before a charter amendment establishing a new layer of bureaucracy in water management -- in the form of a "water authority" -- is considered by voters.
The charter amendment envisions the water authority as helping the County of Maui acquire East Maui water leases from the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. But it's unclear how the water authority's role would mesh with the existing responsibilities of the county Department of Water Supply and the state Commission on Water Resource Management.
Even more significant is the potentially staggering cost to Maui County taxpayers for the proposed leases for acquisition and maintenance -- and the probability of higher water rates. I have introduced Resolution 22-171, entitled "Urging the Mayor to Conduct or Authorize a Comprehensive Feasibility Study of the EMI Water System" to answer these concerns.
The EMI system is among the largest privately constructed and maintained water systems in the U.S. It represents a noteworthy engineering feat. The ditches, tunnels and flumes in the EMI system were constructed between 1876 and 1923 to transmit water from Maui's wet windward side to the drier central valley, supporting sugar cane fields and residential life.
Over the years, the EMI water system served as a model for planning, engineering and constructing water systems. Most important, Maui County users pay a low rate for the water supplied by the EMI water system for domestic and agricultural use.
This well-tested and familiar framework could be upset by the proposed charter amendment -- which has not yet been fully studied. I am hoping Mayor Victorino will answer the call to commission a complete report on foreseeable impacts.
I was pleased to learn that County Auditor Lance Taguchi's audit plan for the new fiscal year includes a financial impact analysis of proposed amendments to the Maui County Charter. The Office of the County Auditor's review of the proposal for a water authority will provide useful information.
But the feasibility study envisioned by my resolution would go further. I seek unbiased policy review, prior to the Nov. 8 general election, of:
• The water authority's relationship with the county Board of Water Supply and state Water Commission, and which agency will control the water.
• Projected impacts on water rates for various categories of users.
• Projected operation, maintenance and capital improvement costs associated with the water authority's actions.
In addition to further analysis by policy experts, it's important to foster more discussion and awareness among all residents in the community. I urge Maui, Lana'i and Molokai residents to seek opportunities to learn about this and other proposed amendments to the Maui County Charter -- and then to speak out.
One opportunity for education is coming up at the Board of Water Supply's meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. The agenda for the hybrid meeting -- in person and virtual -- is available online: tinyurl.com/BWSmeeting.
The board will discuss the charter amendment establishing a water authority. I look forward to comments from Director of Water Supply Helene Kau, county attorneys and other experts who attend the meeting.
Finally, I question whether it is premature to establish a water authority -- which, in effect, is another Department of Water Supply -- so soon after the council approved a Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan just last year in Ordinance 5335.
That plan, which is pending review by the Water Commission, has not been given a chance to succeed. In the several hundred pages of policies, the Water Use and Development Plan does not call for a new county agency or anything that looks like the proposed water authority.
It is the responsibility of the council to have all the answers to these important questions and provide them to the public.
I hope for a timely, informed response to my concerns.
* Yuki Lei K. Sugimura is chair of the Infrastructure and Transportation Committee. She holds the council seat for the Upcountry residency area. "Council's 3 Minutes" is a column to explain the latest news on county legislative matters. Go to mauicounty.us for more information.