Water and Infrastructure Committee (2025-2027) - 2026-03-09
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Water and Infrastructure Committee reviewed Bill 16-2026 regulating low-speed electric bicycles, which would mandate helmets for riders under 18 and prohibit unsafe maneuvers. The bill will be transmitted to the Public Works Commission for review. The committee also received an operational update from the Department of Environmental Management, including progress on the Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility (60% design complete, operational by early 2030) and R-1 water distribution expansion projects in West and South Maui.
Key Decisions (2)
Bill 16-2026 - Low Speed Electric Bicycle Regulations
Bill to regulate low-speed electric bicycles by mandating helmet use for individuals under 18, defining safe riding conduct, and prohibiting exhibition driving. The bill is modeled after City and County of Honolulu regulations. Departments of Parks, Transportation, Police, and Prosecuting Attorney expressed support. Prosecutor recommended changing section C from conjunctive to disjunctive language.
Department of Environmental Management Operational Review
Committee received status update on wastewater and solid waste operations including Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility progress, R-1 water distribution expansion projects, and CIP project timelines. Design for Central Maui facility at 60% complete with EIS published.
Development Activity (5)
Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility
Design at 60% complete, EIS published, design to be complete in 2026, land entitlements by July 2027, bid in mid-2027, operational by early 2030. $10.5 million allocated for design phase.
Kaanapali Resort R-1 Distribution System
Construction at 80% complete, on schedule to finish by mandated deadline. Expected to use 200,000-300,000 gallons per day of R-1 water.
West Maui Recycled Water System Expansion
Construction at 70% for new effluent pump station and force main to elevation 300 feet. Design at 5% for forced main from elevation 300 to 700.
Waikapu Wailuku Diversion System
Gravity sewer and force main at 26% design, EIS published, anticipated bid July 2027. Includes Kehalani pump station component.
CML Phase Two Three Interface Disposal Area
Design 100% complete, estimated bid date June 2026 for disposal area development.
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility will require community plan amendment and change in zoning approvals from council, with land entitlements targeted for July 2027.
Infrastructure
R-1 recycled water demand exceeds current supply in West Maui, with multiple entities including foreign investors, DHL, Kaanapali Land Development, and Bishop Estate seeking allocations from the 3.5 million gallon daily capacity.
Infrastructure
Department reports 18% vacancy rate for engineering and technical positions, with housing costs cited as barrier to recruiting licensed professionals from outside the state.
Housing Demand
West Maui wastewater flow before the fire was 4.2-4.5 MGD against 9 MGD design capacity, indicating significant room for development if infrastructure supports it.