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HCR 178

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO PRIORITIZE ISSUING A SET-ASIDE TO THE COUNTY OF MAUI THROUGH AN EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC TRUST WATER RESOURCES IN EAST MAUI.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mahina Poepoe

Hawaii resolution urges water management authority to reserve East Maui water resources for Maui County control through executive order to resolve decades of allocation disputes.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 583).
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Bill Summary · HCR 178

Legislative bill overview

HCR 178 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources to issue a water set-aside to Maui County through gubernatorial executive order. The resolution specifically targets public trust water resources in East Maui, aiming to strengthen county management and oversight of these critical water supplies.

Why is this important

Water allocation in Hawaii is highly contentious, with competing interests between agricultural operations, municipalities, Native Hawaiian communities, and environmental conservation. East Maui's water resources have been the subject of decades-long disputes, particularly regarding diversions for sugar plantation operations and current municipal needs. This resolution could significantly shift water management authority and availability in one of Hawaii's key regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Competing water claims: Agricultural interests, particularly former plantation operations and their successors, may oppose reallocating water they currently depend on; Native Hawaiian water rights advocates may argue county management doesn't sufficiently prioritize their claims
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what constitutes an acceptable "set-aside" amount or how it would be calculated, leaving implementation details unclear
  • Executive authority concerns: Using executive order rather than legislative action may face legal challenges regarding the proper process for water resource allocation decisions
  • Environmental vs. economic trade-offs: Environmental groups may view this as insufficient without explicit stream restoration provisions, while business interests may see it as economically damaging

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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