KULA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 41 - Kula, HI 96790

http://kulamaui.com

The vision of the Kula Community Association is to preserve open space, support agriculture, maintain a rural residential atmosphere,

and to work together as a community.

The specific purpose of this association is to improve the quality of life for the residents of Kula, to promote civic welfare

and generally to benefit the community of Kula.

 

Notes for Testimony on Water Meter Issuance Rule PWT-35(2)

Maui County Council Public Works and Transportation Committee

August 30, 2002 and September 5, 2002

 

 

�        KCA supports promulgation of meter issuance rule

o       Waiting list for almost a decade

o       Fairness issues

�         Almost 1000 are waiting on the list while

�         Many others not on the list received meters without wait

 

�        Positive features of proposed rule

o       Addresses tough issues, seeks remedies

o       Provides for those on the list to purchase meters at old rates

o       Sets a deadline for applicants and others with meter rights to use or lose

o       Includes a sunset provision so �waiting list� procedure won�t drag on another decade

o       Limits meters issued to 5/8� (but a problem for farmers)

�        Major issues not addressed by rule�

o       So-called �priority list� just a chronological waiting list

�         The 1st come/1st served rule might benefit developers, purchasers of upscale homes, and others who haven�t been waiting on the list for years

�         All available water could be used by first applicants and/or by others with rights who are not on the list

o       Upcountry plan priorities - agriculture, Hawaiian Home Lands, family subdivisions

�         5/8� meters not adequate for most agriculture

�         HHL �water credits agreement� allocates only 500,000 gpd, enough for the immediate future but not the long term

 

�        Questions/Suggestions

o       Include appeal provision for farmers needing larger meters

o       Incorporate fairness into the rule to give limited water to more on list

�         Cycle through the list allowing 3 meters max per applicant on each cycle

�         Need legal opinions, written opinions, from more than one attorney

o       Honor priorities of Upcountry Plan

�         Consider separate rules promulgated through comprehensive planning

�         Establish set-asides or reserves for identified priorities

�         Identify current and future needs

�         Ensure adequate data on needs and supply (capacity studies)

�         Plan for �worst-case� drought scenarios plus possible build-out

o       Find water at Pookela!!