Here are the essential facts in the conflict over House Bill 1326 (“Senate leaders deny plan to revive water bill,” Star-Advertiser, April 9):

>> With the end of sugar, there is enough water available to accommodate the needs of the taro growers; restore the streams; give Upcountry what it needs; and supply Mahi Pono’s plan to replace sugar in the Central Valley.

>> The native agriculturists and the streams have already received their allotment via court judgments. Domestic water supply is also protected. However, the only way the county can access the necessary water supply is through Alexander & Baldwin’s East Maui Irrigation system.

>> Because of the opposition from a coalition of Native Hawaiians and others, the only legal mechanism to allow that supply to continue may be blocked. Affected communities would include Ulupalakua, Kula, Pukalani, Haliimaile, Makawao and Haiku — about 30,000 residents.

>> There is no mechanism — other than A&B’s 150-year old ditch system — to supply Upcountry. And without East Maui water, Mahi Pono’s promise will die.

>> If the county does lose access to the ditch water, and Upcountry water supply is negatively affected, God help any Maui County politician who was involved in making that happen.

Dave DeLeon

Haiku, Maui

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