Western Reader
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reassigned First Deputy of the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), Kaleo Manuel, to another division.
This move comes in the wake of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Maui, leaving at least 110 people dead and countless others grappling with the aftermath.
The DLNR’s decision to redeploy Manuel is not an indictment of his performance or conduct. Rather, it is a strategic move aimed at allowing the CWRM and the Department to concentrate their efforts on helping the people of Maui recover from the wildfire disaster.
However, this decision sparked a flurry of speculation and judgment, prompting the DLNR to urge the media and the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until all facts are known.
Utter desperation as Maui residents fled into the ocean as fire engulfed homes in the town of Lahaina. Ten days later and still no answers as to why fire warning system failed. The death toll is now 114. Hundreds of people – many of them children – are still missing.
pic.twitter.com/px3ruErjmA— BOOM!US (@HeadlineRoundup) August 21, 2023
The recent wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, which occurred on August 8, has raised several questions about the state’s preparedness and response.
The death toll continues to rise, and there is growing concern over why fire crews ran out of water and found numerous dry hydrants. This led to a blame game, with fingers being pointed at various factors that could have contributed to the tragedy.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green addressed these concerns in a press conference, shedding light on the longstanding water conflict in Maui.
He emphasized the need for honesty amid acknowledging there’s been resistance to the release of water for firefighting purposes. This issue, he suggested, warrants further exploration.
OMG listen to this man!! This is so SICK I almost have no words! Govt officials are suppressing views & information” online about the Maui fires!
Especially when the residents are trying to raise attention regarding missing CHILDREN!
You guys know what to do!!!
pic.twitter.com/7ONyusTCOp— Michelle #FJB (@MichelleRM68) August 20, 2023
Governor Green also highlighted the challenges faced by Maui and other rural areas in securing sufficient water for residential use, emergency response, and other needs.
He stressed the importance of confronting the reality that there are still individuals opposing water access for firefighting and preparation, even as the threat of more storms looms.
Manuel, who has previously advocated for “water equity” on the island, has come under scrutiny, following the resurfacing of his comments on social media.
Although neither the company nor the government has linked “water equity” to the delay in firefighting efforts, Manuel’s remarks have drawn criticism. His philosophy of using water as a unifying force, rather than a divisive one, has been called into question in light of the recent disaster.
The West Maui Land Company, a local firm managing several agricultural and residential subdivisions along with water jurisdictions, alleged its request for water to combat the wildfire was delayed for hours.
The company claims the delay was due to the CWRM needing to consult with local farmers before granting the request. By the time the approval came through, it was too late, according to the company.
As Maui grapples with the aftermath of the wildfire, the controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges that lie ahead in managing the island’s precious water resources.
This article appeared in The State Today and has been published here with permission.
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