Group files suit over wastewater effluent

WAILUKU - A group of South Maui residents, concerned about pollution in waters off Kihei, is going to court to try to stop Maui County from injecting wastewater effluent from its sewage treatment plant into the ground.

The civil complaint, filed Wednesday in 2nd Circuit Court, alleges that the nutrient-rich effluent supports excessive macroalgae growth, smothering coral to inhibit reef growth and diminishing water quality near shore.

The county injects approximately 3 million gallons per day of wastewater effluent 46 to 180 feet below sea level into an aquifer located three-quarters of a mile inland, according to the complaint. From there, the effluent enters the subterranean water table and spreads to reach and pollute Kihei coastal waters, according to the complaint.

The Kihei Wastewater Reclamation Facility has operated at its location on East Welakahao Road, mauka of Piilani Higway, since 1974.

Wailuku attorney Lance Collins filed the complaint against Maui County and Cheryl Okuma, director of the county Department of Environmental Management.

He said recent research has confirmed that injection wells are a substantial cause of reef degradation.

"There's now a consensus in the scientific community," Collins said.

He represents Puko'a O Kama Alliance, an association of South Maui residents who use coastal waters for recreational, commercial and cultural activities, as well as Kihei residents Mary Claire Daoang, Joseph Daoang, Daniel K. Kanahele, James Conniff and Warren Blum.

Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said the county will reserve comment until the lawsuit is reviewed by the county corporation counsel.