Native Hawaiian voice demands representation in water commission

During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the representation of the Native Hawaiian community on the Commission, particularly in light of recent vacancies. One commissioner expressed frustration over the lack of Native Hawaiian voices in prior meetings, emphasizing the importance of filling the vacant seat promptly to ensure community representation in ongoing discussions, including critical issues like the Red Hill water contamination.

The commissioner highlighted the urgency of addressing this gap, suggesting that the Commission should not hold further meetings until the seat is filled. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the implications of decisions made without adequate representation from the Native Hawaiian community.

Additionally, the meeting touched on water resource management, with concerns raised about the potential over-extraction of domestic water supplies and its impact on the health of local aquifers. The commissioner underscored the need for sustainable practices to protect riparian ecosystems and prevent the condemnation of vital water sources, referencing similar issues faced in Maui.

The committee acknowledged these concerns and committed to expediting the nomination process for the vacant seat, with plans to make recommendations to the governor soon. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss the qualifications of nominees for the water commission, which was unanimously approved.