Testimony on Continued Diversion of East Maui Stream Waters

To: Members, Commission on Water Resource Management

Because whereever I have lived on Maui, first in Kaupo, then later in 'Ulupalakua, water has been the primary issue to secure continuted habitation and nourishment, I have ended up studying a wide range of water issues in Hawai'i for nearly forty years.

My understanding is that the issue of the diversions of East Maui Stream waters by HC&S/EMI for its own use and that of its beneficaries, is foundationally an issue of social justice, and that the rights to the use of these waters by those resident within their area of origin are guaranteed by the Hawaii State Constitution and confirmed by Hawai'i State Supreme Court rulings.

The problem seems to be that these rights were not able to be exercised by Na Kua'aina, by the traditional Hawaiian subsistence farmers, gatherers and fisherman, of East Maui. The social and economic conditions of those times were antithetical to the exercise of basic human rights, especially as a native people. Soon thereafter, immigrant laborers were to experience much the same racism and economic domination, almost a feudal system based on class and race.

It has been disheartening to see the unions who, throughout the largely class struggle to organize and help the workers, were oppressed in much the same manner as present-day Hawaiians, withholding their support and sometimes actually demostrating against equitable distribution of the East Maui waters.

There is one other point that I especially would like to make: that excessive withdrawal of stream waters from East Maui, is slowly but inexorably leading to the deterioration of the East Maui Watershed. Much too much water is taken from the watershed. Management seems piecemeal and is certainly considerably underfunded. Exotic species such as eucalyptus which hinder adequate percolation of storm water into the soil, need to be harvested and replaced with more appropriate native species.

And for the health of our near shore waters, the streams need to flow again. For the renewal and enhanced health of our watershed, the streams need to flow again. And for the health and well-being of our native peoples, Na Kanaka Maoli, the streams need to flow again. Thank you.