WAILUKU, Hawaii — The Hawaii water commission has ordered the full restoration of flows to 10 Maui streams and ordered no or limited diversions for seven streams to restore habitats.
WAILUKU, Hawaii — The Hawaii water commission has ordered the full restoration of flows to 10 Maui streams and ordered no or limited diversions for seven streams to restore habitats.
The Maui News reports the decision Wednesday by the state Commission on Water Resource Management concludes a nearly two-decade battle over east Maui water rights that matched Native Hawaiian taro farmers and practitioners against Hawaii land owner Alexander & Baldwin Inc.
A group of taro farmers, fishermen, hunters and traditional practitioners had filed a petition to amend the flow standards of more than two dozen streams that A&B has historically diverted for its sugar cane fields. The group claimed diverting water negatively impacted stream life, taro farming and other Native Hawaiian practices.
An A&B spokesman says the company is reviewing the decision.
———
Information from: The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com
