
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021 Ka Huli Ao hosted an I Mana i ka Wai Water Law and Advocacy Training for the Molokaʻi community via Zoom. A partnership between Ka Huli Ao and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Ka Huli Ao’s I Mana i ka Wai Trainings provide an overview of Hawaiʻi’s legal framework governing water resource management, especially as it relates to the rights and interests of DHHL beneficiaries. Given the current issues affecting the Molokaʻi community, the July training focused on DHHL’s Water Policy Plan, Molokaʻi’s water resources and system, and current issues on Molokaʻi.
The training also included an overview and discussion of DHHL’s water use permit application for the Kalapuʻu Aquifer and explored potential avenues for homestead communities to better protect their interests and resources throughout the water use permitting process. The training sought to co-power homesteaders to better engage with the processes, legal tools, and entities responsible for water resource management. Finally, the training highlighted specific ways homestead communities can advocate for the pono use and protection of wai.
With over 40 attendees, Ka Huli Ao is grateful for the Molokaʻi community and their continued work!