Kaleo Manuel, the First Deputy on the state Commission on Water Resource Management is apparently leaving his post after being reassigned following the August wildfires, and then reinstated two months later following an investigation by the Attorney General.
The state Commission on Water Resource Management held a marathon meeting on Maui Tuesday, lasting nearly nine hours. Members received testimony and updated the public on the Lahaina Aquifer Sector Area including wells in the fire-impacted area, water resources at Kauaʻula and Interim Instream Flow Standards (IIFS) for area waterways.
Essentially interim instream flow standards reduce the use of water for non-instream uses, particularly under low-flow conditions. “We really seek to prioritize public trust uses over non-public trust uses and IIFS are one tool that helps us do that,” state hydrologists said.
The Maui County Council will discuss a resolution on Friday, Oct. 6, urging the governor to reinstate Marvin Kaleo Manuel as the first deputy of the Commission on Water Resource Management.
The state Commission on Water Resource Management held a marathon 12-hour meeting Tuesday as it dealt with questions surrounding the State Water Code, the status of deputy Kaleo Manuel, and management of water resources in West Maui.