The use of water for housing projects discussed in The Maui News

The article, “Mayor says county intends to use water for housing projects” by Kehaulani Cerzio from July 7, 2021 discusses the use of water for housing projects. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Baz noted many affordable housing projects that are in the planning or pre-planning stages, such as the 90-unit Hale O Pi’ikea project in Kihei and the 178-unit Hale Pilina project in Kahului, two 100 percent affordable rental projects that have gained several entitlements and approvals.

Maui County Code exempts 100 percent affordable projects from certain water supply requirements and recommends that available water supply be prioritized for affordable projects.

“Even though (affordable housing projects) are exempt from the law that says that you have to prove you have water available to build, they still have to have actual water to develop projects,” Baz said. “The water needs to be available, and we can’t get them water if it’s not available.”

In the most comprehensive application of the Hawaii Water Code to water use and protection in history, the state commission’s lengthy decision and order issued last week on Na Wai ‘Eha water use also officially recognizes appurtenant rights, including kalo farming and other traditional and customary practices.

Please read full article here.