Water Wars: West Maui's Charred Ruins Fuel Fears of Disaster Capitalism
The wildfires in Maui have reignited an ongoing battle over fresh water rights, with advocates for nature and cultural conservation expressing outrage over the suspension and amendment of Lahaina's hard-fought water rights. The request, made by the West Maui Land Company, was granted by Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who stated that the balance had tipped too far towards water rights for nature and natives. This decision has been criticized as "disaster capitalism" by Hokuao Pellegrino, a Native Hawaiian farmer and president of the water nonprofit Hui O Na Wai Eha. The fight for water rights in Maui has been ongoing for years, with efforts to restore water flow to streams and revive ancestral landscapes. The recent fire and water conflict have raised concerns about the future of water access and decision-making in the region.