For Immediate Release:
Press Release by:
Alice L. Lee, Chair
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Water-conservation ordinance in effect; recent rain highlights infrastructure needs
WAILUKU, Hawaiʻi (April 23, 2026)—Council Chair Alice L. Lee today reminded Maui County residents that the county’s new water-conservation ordinance took effect last month, emphasizing that responsible water use remains critical despite recent heavy rainfall.
Lee said Ordinance 5929 represents a proactive step to promote responsible resource management across the county. The law establishes a framework that balances the needs of residents and businesses with the long-term necessity of water security, she said.
“The council recognized the urgent need to modernize our water standards to protect our most vital resource,” said Lee, who holds the council seat for the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency area. “Enacting this water-conservation legislation was a collaborative effort to ensure our community remains resilient in the face of changing environmental conditions.”
While recent Kona low storms brought significant surface water to the island, Lee noted that a deluge doesn’t solve long-term supply challenges. According to the Department of Water Supply, rapid, heavy rain often results in high runoff into the ocean rather than soaking into the ground to recharge deep aquifers.
“We saw the risks just this month in South Maui when a major mainline break forced emergency conservation measures,” Lee said. “Even with full tanks, high demand during repairs can deplete storage rapidly, threatening essential services like hospitals and fire protection.
“This ordinance helps us maintain a ‘buffer’ in our system for these types of emergencies.”
Lee said the ordinance was introduced as Bill 158 and includes a variety of measures to reduce water waste and improve efficiency. She said the ordinance includes elements in the following categories:
- Landscape-irrigation schedules.
- Water-waste prohibitions.
- Development and industry standards.
- Swimming-pool conservation.
The ordinance arose from Bill 158 (2025), which Lee introduced at the administration’s request. The bill was amended both by the council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee and by the full council.
Lee said the Department of Water Supply has a website with an overview on the ordinance: https://waterresources.mauicounty.gov/226/Water-Use-Conservation-Ordinance-5929-Bill-158.
For more information, email media@mauicounty.us or call the Office of Council Services at 808-270-7664.
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