Water Wars: Lawsuit, Devastation, and Fear in the Aftermath of Maui Wildfires

Two Maui residents have filed a lawsuit against the state Land Board chair over the reassignment of the state executive responsible for regulating surface water on Maui. The lawsuit alleges that pressure from developers led to the removal of Kaleo Manuel, who was relieved of his duties after a landowner complained that he withheld permission to recharge reservoirs during the Lahaina wildfire. Environmental and water rights advocates argue that only the water commission should have the authority to decide who acts as its chief regulator. The Land Department has not provided an explanation for the decision.