Policy and Position Statements on Water
(Adopted by Board of Directors 2/3/00)

Policy Statement

A consistent supply of water for agricultural and domestic use is essential to meet the health and safety needs of all Kula residents, including those on Hawaiian Homelands, and to maintain the economic viability and rural atmosphere of Kula for the current and projected populations as outlined in the "Makawao-Pukalani-Kula Community Plan".

Position Statements

Upcountry Plan - Hawaiian Homelands, Agriculture, and Development
The Board and Department of Water Supply must honor the "Makawao-Pukalani-Kula Community Plan" that establishes the Hawaiian Homelands and agriculture as the highest priorities for delivery of water and outlines development patterns and limits for the region.

Source, Storage and Delivery Systems Priorities and Cost Schedule
The Board and Department of Water Supply should establish as its highest priority the development of water source, storage, and delivery systems prior to actual demand.  The Kula community and other communities affected should be provided prioritized construction schedules including projected costs and completion dates for upgrading the Upcountry water systems to meet quality and quantity needs for present and projected populations, including the Hawaiian Homelands developments.

Funding
The Board of Water Supply should examine all sources of funding for its priority list of source, storage, and delivery improvements including, but not limited to, federal and state funding sources, large-developer fees and surcharges, bond debt, and user rate increases.

Meter Issuance Rules
The Board of Water Supply should revise its meter issuance rules and monitor their application to ensure that new meters are issued fairly and in accordance with priorities specified in the "Makawao-Pukalani-Kula Community Plan".  There must be a method of issuing meters that limits issuance until there are sufficient reserves in the Upcountry water systems to meet domestic, agricultural, and safety needs during a drought for six months with a maximum ten percent reduction in use.  No exceptions should be made to the order of the water meter waiting list unless provision for certain exceptions is specified in the rules and each specific exception is justified to the Kula community and other communities affected.

Reservoirs 
The Board and Department of Water Supply should pursue planning and budgeting for the construction of appropriately located reservoirs, such as the Piiholo reservoir on the Lower Kula Water System.

Wells
The Board and Department of Water Supply should develop ground (underground) water sources to be included in the Kula water systems, provided environmental impact issues are addressed.

Agricultural Water Line
The County, State, and Federal agencies should continue the funding, collaboration, and support required to complete and maintain the Upper Kula agricultural water line.

Conservation Programs and Incentives
The Board and Department of Water Supply should expand its educational and informational programs and establish incentives promoting conservation of  all water resources.  Incentives to be considered include: continuation of lower rates for reduced use; a system wide, seasonal rate structure; tax breaks for the construction and use of drip irrigation, reservoirs, and cisterns; and grant funding to support reforestation.

Public Disclosure and Participation
The Board and Department of Water Supply should make its announcements, agendas, dealings, transactions, and policies transparent and available to all by publishing this information on the Internet and having printed copies available at their offices. This published information should include: descriptions, diagrams, and maps of the water system; the Department of Water Supply budget, including projected Capital Improvement Plan projects; water meter waiting lists; rules and proposed rule changes; acceptances and rejections of new meters; commercial and agricultural projects that require approval from the Board or Department of Water Supply; and special projects and applications that are pending decisions.  The Board and Department of Water Supply should continue and extend their practice of involving communities in informational and decision  making meetings, giving adequate notice of meetings and time for public response before taking action.