Water Report Highlights 2018 Convening

Watershed Experts and Stakeholders Release Report Documenting Historic 2018 Convening

Kahului, HI, May 12, 2020–A diverse group of natural resource experts and community stakeholders announced today the release of a report that documents a roundtable conversation held in June 2018 regarding sustainability for those who depend upon the waters of the East Maui Watershed. The report includes highlights from an extensive pre-event survey, and overview and key points from the discussions held by the group, a list of “top five” take-away insights from the event, and next steps and recommendations identified by the group during the roundtable. A PDF of the report has been made available for free download on the Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM) website, at http://bit.ly/EastMauiH2O

On June 7 and 8, 2018, a group of nearly 60 experts and stakeholders came together to hold a conversation regarding water sustainability for those who depend upon the waters of the East Maui Watershed. The purpose of the event, held on June 7th and 8th, 2018 on the University of Hawai‘i Maui College campus was to exchange ideas and information on best ways to ensure long-term sustainability of the East Maui Watershed and water delivery system as a secure water supply for all users in perpetuity.

The round table participants represented many of the various groups and residents who depend upon the East Maui watershed and water system including Upcountry and East Maui residents, Kānaka Maoli (some with lineal connection to East Maui), recreational users, land owners, corporations, farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and non-profits involved with the East Maui lands including State and Federal scientists and agencies who manage natural resources. The event was convened by the Sustainable Living Institute of Maui at UHMC and the Mālamalama Maui Project. It was moderated by Linda Colburn of “Where Talk Works” mediation services.

“UH Maui College supports initiatives like the East Maui Watershed convening as a way to bring stakeholders together for an open dialogue to address the community’s need for environmental stewardship and conservation of our precious resources,” said UHMC’s Chancellor, Lui Hokoana.

These conversations–and additional resources and links–were documented and have been compiled into this long-awaited report, a way to share with the larger public the essential topics, suggested goals, and next steps that this diverse group of participants identified as necessary to support a healthy East Maui watershed and a well-maintained water delivery system into the future.

The group is working on next steps by sharing the report with local officials, businesses and community leaders in hopes of working together to address some of the identified goals for the future of Maui’s water system.
For more information, contact h20mauiroundtable@gmail.com.

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The Sustainable Living Institute of Maui at UH Maui College is committed to optimizing Maui’s economy by helping people build skills that are compatible with the community’s cultural choices and economic aspirations; developing Maui as an exemplary and prosperous island; sharing eco-effective methods with other communities throughout the world; and serving as a living laboratory and classroom for building and managing holistic communities. SLIM aims to help guide community decision making processes in harmony with the cultural values and principles sustaining the Hawaiian culture and environment. Learn more at http://sustainablemaui.org/

The Mālamalama Maui Project was a two-year creative placemaking initiative funded by ArtPlace America, which uses the arts (such as film, media, music, food) and the cultural traditions of local community to embrace, educate and empower the people of Maui in imagining and advocating alternative agricultural uses for the central valley land in transition. Learn more at https://www.artplaceamerica.org/funded-projects/m%C4%81lamalama-maui