“Water fiasco” on Maui makes residents feel abused and unfairly attacked

UPCOUNTRY, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – A water conservation warning is in place for residents of Upcountry Maui.

The lakefront coasts around the state are unusually dry. However, according to the US Drought Monitor, Maui County is the worst.

District officials say the majority of Maui County has experienced moderate to severe drought. For this reason, residents are asked to refrain from washing cars or watering lawns.

If they do, they could be fined up to $ 500.

Around 8,000 people now fly to Maui every day and stay in hotels with high water requirements.

Some Maui residents feel that the locals are being treated unfairly.

“It has nothing to do with me personally, I don’t live in the upcountry. But I’m from Maui and they only abuse the residents, ”said mixed martial artist Kendall Grove from Maui, who commented on the subject on social media.

Grove is used to fighting in the octagon. Today, he says, he’s fighting for his Valley Isle flatmates.

“This water fiasco that’s going on is just the straw that broke the camel’s back,” he said. “Enough is enough. As big a platform as I am, I will do my best to fight for my children. Fight for your children. Whether you like me or not, I am there for our children, our future. “

On July 2, a level 1 water scarcity declaration came into effect for residents of the highlands.

District officials declined Hawaii News Now’s request for an interview. However, they said in a press release that the warning was due to arid conditions and high water consumption in the area.

“Some of these inland people, they farm, they have livestock, they have tons of things that they need the water for. And you’re going to pay them a fine? ”Grove said.

District officials say another factor in the warning is that the raw water reservoir of the Olinda Ministry of Water’s Piiholo water treatment plant is well below 50% capacity.

Maui’s Cullan Bell says the restrictions feel like a double standard.

“The hotels and golf courses are watered several times a day. Watering the grass several times a day, and the locals are fined for washing their vehicles.

District officials said a level 1 water shortage exists when the water director determines that expected demand in the area is expected to exceed available supply by 1% to 15%.

Former Maui state official and resident Kaniela Ing said it was a problem that has been going on for years.

“The truth is, we’ve had generations to plan this, and not only will it not be resolved, it will get worse,” said Ing move on. All the attention between those we prioritize … the tourists or the local residents? “

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