Maui Stream Water Restoration

Maui's Waihee River is now flowing again as the result of an order from the Commission on Water Resource Management that required Wailuku Water Co. to restore 12.5 million gallons per day to two of the four streams that comprise Na Wai Eha.

For many years, Wailuku Water Co. has diverted the stream for users like Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. The restoration of water to these streams is definitely expected to improve the environmental health of the areas affected by the streams.

There was some disagreement within the Commission on Water Resource Management as to how much water should be restored, and where. Dr. Lawrence Miike was the Commission member who oversaw the case hearing and he recommended that half of Nawai Eha's water be restored to the four streams. Other members disagreed, ruling that no water be returned to the Iao and Waikapu streams. Some water was returned to the Waihee and Waiehu streams, but less than Dr. Miike had recommended.

Much of this battle is being fought by Earthjustice, which appealed the decision, as they didn't find the outcome satisfactory.

Apparently, Wailuku Water Co. president Avery Chumbley alerted taro farmers that the Commission's order to restore water to the streams might result in less water to their taro patches through Wailuku Water Co.'s pipeline. This frightened the taro farmers.

The odd thing is, the restoration of this water to these streams is intended to bring these very taro farmers their water the natural way at no cost. Diannah Goo, a 75 year old Waihee kuleana taro farmer with 12 taro patches, expressed that she would rather have the water in the stream, but if it wasn't enough to raise the kalo, she would rather have it in the pipe.

But before anyone panics, they should keep in mind that this water isn't vanishing. The water isn't going to be either in the stream or in the pipe. It's going to be in the stream and the pipe.

A lot of heat has come down on Wailuku Water Co. and some of it may be warranted, but the truth is, this is a big change and everyone involved will need time to adjust. Wailuku Water Co. will have to figure out how to gauge the release of exactly the right amount of water that it takes to fill the stream according to the order, and the taro farmers will have to set up systems to effectively and efficiently pull that free water from the streams. Eventually, taro farmers may need to plan to make the stream water their staple, as the water from Wailuku Water Co. could become merely their backup or supplemental supply.

Considering purchasing Maui upcountry real estate? You should definitely browse Kula home sales, or perhaps some of the lovely Olinda home listings available now. If you need any assistance, you will find our contact information at the bottom of the page. We would love to help you find your dream home on Maui. Mahalo!

Hotel Occupancy High for Maui and the State

Hotel occupancy was excellent for Hawaii last week, according to Hospitality Advisor's weekly hotel report. What a breath of fresh air for the economy! Based on the state's average, more than four out of five hotel rooms were full at an occupancy rate of 80.7. That's a 5.3 percent increase compared to the same week last year. The best part is, occupancy on all the major islands was up.

Oahu led the charge with 87.8 percent occupancy, a 4 percent gain from last year. Maui came in next with 83.6 percent occupancy, but this was an impressive 12.2 percentage gain from last year. Kauai was up to 67.3, 1.8 percent higher than last year, and the Big Island was at 60 percent occupancy for a one-point increase.

According to this data, Oahu and Maui are flourishing the most, with Maui boasting the most impressive improvement by far. If the trend continues, who knows, we may pass Oahu on occupancy.

Thanks to the gains in occupancy, hotel room rates have begun to increase a bit by an average of 3 percent at $191.97 per night. Although Maui room rates only climbed one percent, they remain the highest in the state at an average of $254.20, but you get what you pay for! Oahu rates climbed 4 percent to an average of $161.53 per night. Rates on the Big Island increased by 5.5 percent for an average rate of $205.09. Interestingly, Kauai rates fell a full 7.9 percent to $187.46 per night, so it may be the best choice for vacationers operating on a tight budget.

Perhaps this will light a candle of hope for any struggling Maui businesses that may be affected by the visitor's industry. Those businesses that have survived this long will probably pull through if they hang in and run things shrewdly. 

Interested in North shore Maui real estate? You should definitely browse Paia homes, or perhaps some of the lovely Haiku land listings available now. If you need any assistance, you will find our contact information at the bottom of the page. We would love to help you find your dream home on Maui. Mahalo!

Lululemon Hosts Free Classes for Maui Community

Lululemon clothing store will undoubtedly make good money at their new shop in Paia. The high-quality workout gear they are selling will certainly attract plenty of business. But that's not what makes lululemon stand out. Their staff is working hard to develop community enrichment programs and activities, not just for their customers, but for anyone who would like to participate.

According to lululemon's showroom manager Chelsea Dimin, they're exploring everything from yoga to Zumba to paddleboarding, and whatever they present will be free. At this point, they are already offering free yoga classes and a run club. It's all part of an effort to keep the Maui community engaged in a healthy, active lifestyle. Future plans so far include goal-coaching sessions, nutrition seminars, a complimentary beach boot camp and other activities.

Lululemon is a perfect fit for Maui culture. Being proactive in the community is a well-established recipe for a successful and healthy lifestyle, whether you represent a business, a non-profit, or yourself. Around here, you should have a genuine interest in the welfare of those around you. Embrace Maui and Maui will embrace you!

Dimin plans to offer classes and events that the community needs and wants. If there's a popular interest in any particular kind of class, that is what lululemon will provide, as long as it's logistically manageable of course.

Whether you are interested in their free classes or apparel, you should stop by their shop in Paia and check them out. They offer gear for runners, cyclists, surfers, dancers and all kinds of other versatile active wear. You'll find them at the junction of Baldwin and Hana Highway in Paia. 

If you are interested in North Shore Maui real estate, then you're in the right place. That's our area of expertise. Browse our listings of Haiku home sales and Haiku land sales. If you prefer something with more of a beach environment, then we recommend Paia condos. If you need any real estate assistance, please find our contact information below. Mahalo for reading and have a great weekend!

Native Hawaiian Plant Sale at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens

The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is having its next native Hawaiian plant sale on August 28th at 9am. Their mission is to help establish understanding and appreciation for these native treasures as an important element in Hawaiian ecology, culture and history. The Maui Nui Botanical Gardens provides a beautiful and educational environment where conservation, biological study, recreation and Hawaiian cultural expression are key elements of every day.

So why should you buy native Hawaiian plants?

A. You will be contributing to the restoration of Maui's original ecology and environment. Normally, when you take part in important conservation efforts and you are responsible for the care of a species of special interest, you have to go through a rigorous permitting process. Not with Maui's native plants! Re-establishing our exceptional native species even by adding just a few in our own back yards makes a difference. You can help change the landscape of Maui, restoring its former glory.

B. The plants are from here, so care should be minimal. The nice thing about native species is that they are perfectly adapted to the environment that they existed in originally. Now it's well known that Maui has many micro-climates and a wide variety of temperature and moisture conditions, so you may need to do a little maintenance if the plant likes different conditions. Check with the grower for advice and let them know what area you live in when you purchase your native plant.

C. You'll be supporting local growers who have made it their mission to help ensure the survival of these extraordinary plant species.

D. Native plants are amazing. Hawaii has the highest number of endemic plants in the world. These are species that can be found nowhere else, and they are truly spectacular. Imagine having your own kukui, native hibiscus, or ohi'a lehua plants? These are just a few of the marvelous species to be found at the plant sale.

So turn your backyard into a native Hawaiian plant wonderland, perhaps just a little bit at a time, and take pride in knowing that you are the caretaker of a biological treasure trove!

Visit mnbg.org for more information.

Considering Maui upcountry real estate? You should definitely browse Kula home sales, or perhaps some of the lovely Olinda land listings available now. If you need any assistance, you will find our contact information at the bottom of the page. We would love to help you find your dream home on Maui. Mahalo!