The Hawaii Supreme Court has delivered a significant decision concerning water rights in East Maui, ruling that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) violated due process by denying a contested case hearing to community groups challenging the diversion of water by Alexander & Baldwin (A&B). This ruling, which stems from a 2020 case, reinforces the public's right to meaningfully participate in decisions affecting natural resources, specifically streams in East Maui. Hawaii News Now reported that the court found the BLNR's actions unconstitutional, siding with the Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter and other community organizations.
Hawaii Supreme Court Upholds Community Rights in East Maui Water Dispute, Impacting Business and Development
·3 min read
The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources violated the constitutional rights of community groups by improperly approving water diversions in East Maui. This decision will likely reshape how water rights are managed, particularly impacting businesses and developers involved in agriculture and land use.
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