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.

This bill is a House resolution urging the Department of Land and Natural Resources to prioritize issuing a water set-aside to the County of Maui through an executive order by the Governor. The resolution addresses water management in East Maui, specifically the Nahiku, Ke'anae, Honomanu, and Huelo State License Areas, where drought conditions have reduced water availability for residents, businesses, and farmers. The bill calls on state agencies to support the County's efforts to manage public trust water resources, citing constitutional obligations and the public trust doctrine. It highlights potential benefits such as funding for water system repairs, reduced water costs for residents and farmers, and watershed restoration, while noting that the County has already established a local water authority through a voter-approved charter amendment.