Hawaii state water agency faces criticism over response to Maui wildfire

AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

As the Maui wildfire raged last week, a state water agency in Hawaii has been accused of stalling the release of water from a traditional farm, which landowners reportedly wanted to use to safeguard their property.

Crazy scenes here in Lahaina.

Nothing but burned infrastructure and ash remains on scene with military protecting the area. Some parts of the town are completely burned.

For our coverage: https://t.co/3vGi0Ol5l6 pic.twitter.com/4N5m0Xu3V9

— Alexandra Lavoie (@ThevoiceAlexa) August 17, 2023

A state agency in Hawaii has come under fire for its response to the Maui wildfire last week amid allegations that it delayed the release of water that could have been used to protect properties at risk from the spreading flames. The accusations stem from a reported refusal by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to provide water from a traditional farm, in response to a request from West Maui Land, a real estate development company, according to the Honolulu Civil Beat.

Maui’s Head of Emergency Management has no regrets over not activating sirens during the deadly wildfire, opting instead for an emergency text:

“We would have not saved those people”.

What do you think?https://t.co/N6V4hasxFr pic.twitter.com/nXGjGSir6g

— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) August 17, 2023

The criticism has focused on one official in particular, M. Kaleo Manuel, DLNR’s deputy director for water resource management. Manuel is a participant in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders Asia-Pacific program and is known for prioritizing traditional local perspectives on water management.

MAUI FIRE: The town of Lahaina has been destroyed by the fire. Surreal scenes. Road blocks at various points are occupied by military to prevent people from getting too close to the damage. The people need help. Watch video until the end.

More to come at https://t.co/v1EvqUvKIU pic.twitter.com/wR4TQXzlb8

— Lincoln Jay (@lincolnmjay) August 17, 2023

With wildfires ravaging West Maui on Aug. 8, a state water official delayed the release of water that landowners wanted to help protect their property from fires. The water standoff played out over much of the day and the water didn’t come until too late.

Honolulu Civil Beat reported:

The dispute involved the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ water resource management division and West Maui Land Co., which manages agricultural and residential subdivisions in West Maui as well as Launiupoko Irrigation Co., Launiupoko Water Co., Olowalu Water Co. and Ha’iku Town Water Association.

…

According to the sources, Manuel wanted West Maui Land to get permission from a taro, or kalo, farm located downstream from the company’s property. Manuel eventually released water but not until after the fire had spread. It was not clear on Monday how much damage the fire did in the interim or whether homes were damaged.

MAUI FIRE: Lahaina local (@illya1313) sent me videos from the day of the fire.

Very intense. Stay tuned for the full interview where he shares his horrifying experience.

More to come at https://t.co/v1EvqUvKIU pic.twitter.com/QUQmcCKfJR

— Lincoln Jay (@lincolnmjay) August 17, 2023

Honolulu Civil Beat quoted Governor Josh Green (D) as saying that there had been some local resistance to using the state’s limited water resources to combat fires. Notably, a state bill introduced in 2022 by legislators from Maui, advocating for the use of state and private reservoirs for fire safety, failed to pass.

Other state institutions are also under scrutiny in the wake of the wildfire, particularly Hawaiian Electric. The utility company has been accused of emphasizing climate change and renewable energy initiatives at the expense of addressing the risk of wildfires.