County says company has no authority to charge for water
Victor Pelligrino (left) and Hokuao Pelligrino explain how they are only able to restore three of their 12 taro patches because Wailuku Water Distribution Co. restricts the flow of water into Waikapu Stream. They are standing near the diversion that directs water from a ditch bordering their property.
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
KAHULUI — Maui County will formally protest Wailuku Water Distribution Co.’s application with the state to become a public utility with the authority to charge private customers for water.
The company, formerly operating as Wailuku Agribusiness, has been charging for water delivery for years. But county Water Director Jeffrey Eng said on Wednesday that the county does not believe the 150-year-old company has any legal or “fundamental right to divert a public trust resource for private profit.”intervene in the application.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs attorney Jonathan Sheuer said OHA intends to do the same.
In the more than three-hour meeting, dozens of people spoke, and only two people were in favor of Wailuku Water Distribution Co.’s application. If the state-required application passes, the company could continue to serve its 39 customers and sell water at a new, higher rate of 90 cents per 1,000 gallons, which the company says it needs to remain s
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