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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.
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.
DLNR delayed releasing water requested by West Maui Land Co. to help prevent the spread of fire, sources familiar with the situation said.
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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.
Manuel declined to be interviewed for this story. DLNR's communications office said in an email that it was supporting the state's emergency communications response and "unable to facilitate your inquiry at this time."
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But the governor said conflicts over water are being reshaped in an age of climate change and wildfires. Now the conflict includes opponents who do not want water to be used to fight fires, the governor said.
"One thing that people need to understand especially those from far away is that there's been a great deal of water conflict on Maui for many years," Green said. "It's important that we're honest about this. People have been fighting against the release of water to fight fires. I'll leave that to you to explore."
"We have a difficult time on Maui and other rural areas getting enough water for houses, for our people, for any response," Green added. "But it's important we start being honest. There are currently people still fighting in our state giving us water access to fight and prepare for fires even as more storms arise."
Green said the state is in the midst of a "comprehensive review" by Attorney General Anne Lopez of decisions made before and during the firefighting efforts.
"There will be multiple reviews at every level," he said.