Maui County and Kamehameha Schools would share stewardship of Lahaina water resources under a proposed agreement announced Friday by the county.
The private charitable educational trust, also known as Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, has agreed to transfer its option to acquire the Launiupoko Irrigation Co. system to the county. Kamehameha received the opportunity to acquire the system when it obtained around 3,885 acres in Makila, Wainee Ma Uka and Kahoma in West Maui in September 2025.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to protect and steward precious water resources —
essential to the recovery, resilience and well-being of communities in Lahaina,”
according to a county news release.
The proposed agreement, which is subject to approval by the Maui County Council and applicable
regulatory agencies, reflects a shift toward public stewardship of water
management, which Maui County Mayor Richard
Bissen made a priority in March, the release said.
The county has been negotiating with key partners to acquire water system assets in West Maui, including a memorandum of understanding with Maui Land &Pineapple Co. to acquire its West Maui water infrastructure in May and proposing to purchase water assets from Launiupoko Water and Olowalu Water in June.
Kamehameha would retain stewardship of the Kauaula surface water system — part of the Launiupoko system — so that is can continue service to kuleana landowners and support long-term restoration of the area, the release said. The proposed agreement also provides water source
credits for future needs
on Kamehameha’s land in Kuia.
“Caring for wai is essential for healthy aina, communities and cultural practices. This partnership with the County of Maui connects our shared kuleana with the infrastructure needed for lasting recovery,” Jack Wong, CEO of Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, said in the release. “Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s legacy calls us to care for both people and place, and this partnership is one way we carry that kuleana forward in Lahaina.”
The release said the county and Kamehameha Schools are both committed to managing water resources in ways that support Lahaina’s recovery and revitalization since the deadly 2023 wildfire and help address future community needs, including housing, public safety and watershed restoration.
