Specifically, according to accounts of four people with knowledge of the situation, M. Kaleo Manuel, a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and DLNR’s deputy director for water resource management, initially balked at West Maui Land Co.’s requests for additional water to help prevent the fire from spreading to properties managed by the company.
According to the sources, Manuel wanted West Maui Land to get permission from a taro, or kalo, farm located downstream from the company’s property. Manuel eventually released water but not until after the fire had spread.
Gov. Josh Green spoke candidly Monday during a press briefing about conflicts over water on Maui – although not the DLNR-West Maui Land Co. incident directly – and encouraged news media to explore the issue. The conflicts are rooted in the diversion of water by large plantations, which starved downstream users from a resource essential for Native Hawaiian agriculture, particularly the traditional practice of growing taro or kalo.
“...’Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner ...”
Did have to sacrifice to Pele first and wait for a sign?
Lovely. Just, lovely.
Is there some reason that sea-side towns or cities can’t pump water directly out of the ocean if a seaside town or city bursts into flame?
Granted, it probably leaves more of a mess, but the fire might get put out in a timely manner and lives saved.
Meh. I’m always too practical. We’ve got to consider Mother Government’s THUMB ON THE SCALE in ALL practical matters these days.
And Brandon’s ‘10% for the Big Guy.’
*SPIT*