Kapalua: Mandatory Tier 3 Water Conservation Issued

Dear Kapalua and other West Maui non-potable water users:

On Friday, Sept. 27th, 2024, we initially informed you of the need to reduce use of non-potable ditch water for landscape irrigation in order to meet Honokohau stream’s Interim In-stream Flow Standard (IIFS). Thanks to your efforts over the past 4 1/2 months, Kapalua reservoir levels have remained stable. However, due to the lack of consistent precipitation at the Pu’u Kukui watershed elevation, the Honokohau stream and irrigation ditch system are now at critically low levels. As such, we must move from the current tier 2 (with 40% reduction) into tier 3, which requires 60% reduction of non-potable water use. Please limit outdoor irrigation until further notice.

As background, our water conservation plan is based on a 4-tier system. It has been put in place due to low precipitation in the Pu’u kukui watershed, which has resulted in low surface water levels. State regulations require us to meet Honokohau stream’s IIFS of 13.3 CFS at all times. The distribution of the remaining water supply within the Kapalua reservoirs must be prioritized and at times used solely for fire protection and sustainable crops.

The 4-tier system includes:

• Tier 1: 20% reduction of non-potable water usage
• Tier 2: 40% reduction of non-potable water usage
• Tier 3: 60% reduction of non-potable water usage
• Tier 4: Fire protection use only, 100% reduction of non-potable water usage

Tier levels are determined based on available water supply and water storage levels at the time of notification and may not always be sequential.

Mahalo for your continued cooperation and support as Hawaii Water Service and Maui Land & Pineapple work together to meet all required federal, state, and county regulations. We are firmly dedicated to our responsibility as corporate citizens to protect the environment and resources within our stewardship.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly at (808) 269-4048.

Sincerely,
John Kadowaki
Operations Manager
Hawaii Water Service