For Immediate Release:
Press Release by:
Thomas Cook, Councilmember
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Council adopts resolution prioritizing use of recycled water to preserve potable water for affordable housing
WAILUKU, Hawaiʻi (Oct. 25, 2024)—The Maui County Council today adopted Resolution 24-161, CD1, urging the county administration to prioritize the use of recycled water to support various purposes and preserve potable water for residential uses, announced Councilmember Tom Cook, who introduced the resolution.
Citing several supportive General Plan policies, the resolution requests the mayor and Department of Environmental Management to increase the “production and expansion of recycled R-1 water to preserve potable water for the construction of affordable housing and to support fire protection, greenbelts, agriculture and cultural uses.” Cook said he authored the resolution in response to Maui County’s chronic water shortages, which delay much-needed affordable-housing development in South and West Maui.
“I would like to thank my colleagues for their support and carrying out their responsibility as county officials to push for increased access to water for Maui County residents,” said Cook, who chairs the Water and Infrastructure Committee and holds the council seat for the South Maui residency area. “Recycled water use is a renewable, safe and smart way to preserve our finite water supply.
He said the amended version of the resolution also encourages the mayor and Department of Environmental Management to ensure that the county has control over potable water that is offset by recycled R-1 water use.
“Finding more ways to address the problems of water supply and conservation will be an ongoing priority for the council.”
To view the resolution and information regarding upcoming council and committee meetings, visit mauicounty.us/agendas.
For more information, contact council staff at media@mauicounty.us or 808-270-8008.
###
