Committee backs language to move toward eliminating injection wells, urges recycled-water infrastructure

Deputy Director Peterson told the committee that State Department of Health rules currently require injection wells as a backup option in some circumstances, but county staff and council members agreed the long‑term goal should be to eliminate ocean discharge by expanding recycled‑water infrastructure and improving disinfection.

The committee adopted revised language to “move toward eliminating the use of wastewater injection wells in South Maui by expanding recycled-water distribution infrastructure and increasing disinfection quality.” Deputy Director Peterson cautioned that injection wells remain a necessary emergency backup until recycled-water storage and transmission capacity reach 100% backup capability. Committee members emphasized environmental concerns for reef health and balanced those concerns with operational constraints.

The motion passed (recorded as 6 ayes, 0 nos, 3 excused), and staff were asked to continue work on recycled‑water projects and to identify implementation steps and funding pathways.