This project aims to increase availability of water to meet community needs. Expanding water availability serves the needs of the community and provides for increased resilience. The draft Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan (2019) adopted strategies to maximize surface water production up to treatment plant capacity when stream flow allows (as the most affordable water supply) and develop sufficient wells to rely on in dry season. This project will aid in the mitigation of drought impacts on the water supply. Additionally, it will enable the use of the Kanahā stream for ecosystem restoration projects as part of rebuilding Lahaina. Increased well capacity will also provide additional water flow for fire suppression.

This project will expand water use and availability by increasing access to existing ground water sources and establishing new connections to the County’s potable water system. The project includes the following components:

1. ‍Honokowai Tunnel Intake and Transmission Line
   The project would provide a new potable water source by constructing a horizontal tunnel and skimmer well to capture groundwater in Honokowai Valley. No further treatment would be required. The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) has determined that water from the tunnel does not impact stream flows, as stream flows for Honokowai Valley are generated farther upstream. Project benefits include diversification of source, redundancy within the system and provides a lower-cost source alternative than drilling a new well.
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2. ‍Lahaina Wells Development
   The project will include development of two well fields in the Launiupoko aquifer and two well fields in the Honolua aquifer to provide additional supply to the Lahaina area to ensure adequate water supply.

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