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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / 2016
Demonstrators in support of restoring East Maui streams marched down to the Alexander & Baldwin building on Bishop Street.
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Domestic water use is a public trust-protected use. It would be unlawful for any court, agency or corporation to shut off water that is used for survival.
Stating that a 2016 court ruling is reason to worry is a bogus statement (“Gov. David Ige urges Hawaii Legislature to resurrect water rights bill opposed by environmentalists,” Star-Advertiser, April 19).
The ruling in the 2016 court case made it clear that Upcountry’s domestic water use would not and should not be impacted by the invalidation of Alexander & Baldwin’s permits. Upcountry Maui is being used as a shield to hide the actual issue — ironic, as the streams of East Maui have been a casualty of generations of unaccountable stream diversions.
Ultimately, the bill in question, House Bill 1326, is for A&B. It is a $62 million bailout and the continued circumventing of our state Constitution. For the benefit of present and future generations, I ask our leaders to put people over profits.
Jun Shin
McCully-Moiliili
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