HI HR139

Request the Board of Land and Natural Resources to enter into a long-term water lease with Waioli Valley Taro Hui for continued use of water from Waioli Stream through direct negotiation after completion of environmental review requirements under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343.

Support the traditional and customary practice of loʻi kalo (taro patch) cultivation by Waioli Valley Taro Hui, which has sustained the community for centuries and represents the first co-management of natural and cultural resources between a community group and the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Acknowledge that the 2018 floods destroyed the historic māhowai (instream diversion structure) and ʻauwai (irrigation ditch), which were subsequently repaired with state and county disaster recovery funds, and that a long-term water lease is necessary for the practice to persevere.

Recognize that loʻi kalo cultivation uses water in a nonpolluting, nonconsumptive manner and provides environmental and cultural benefits including flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, endangered bird habitat preservation, food security, and community resilience.

Affirm that the water lease honors Article XII, Section 7 of the Hawaii State Constitution protecting traditional and customary Native Hawaiian rights and practices.