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Kapalua Water Security Study Opens Door for New Irrigation Sources, But Further Information is Needed

·6 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

Hawaii Water Service has initiated a feasibility study for a recycled water treatment plant in Kapalua, potentially enhancing drought resilience and providing a new irrigation source. Real estate owners, tourism operators, and agriculture producers should monitor study progress for implications on water access and costs.

  • Real Estate Owners: Potential for improved landscaping water access, but long-term infrastructure integration costs are unknown.
  • Tourism Operators: Enhanced resort landscaping resilience, but potential for future water usage fees.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers: New drought-resistant irrigation source could stabilize crop yields in the Kapalua region.
  • Action: Monitor study outcomes and engage with Hawaii Water Service during public comment periods.

Watch & Prepare

Medium Priority

Ignoring this could lead to missed opportunities to influence the project's direction or prepare for changes in water infrastructure and costs.

Monitor Hawaii Water Service announcements and public comment periods related to the Kapalua Recycled Water Treatment Plant feasibility study. If public meetings are scheduled, attend or submit comments to understand potential impacts on water access and costs for your sector. No immediate action is required, but staying informed will prepare you for future developments.

Who's Affected
Real Estate OwnersTourism OperatorsAgriculture & Food Producers
Ripple Effects
  • →Feasibility study for recycled water → reduced reliance on freshwater sources for non-potable uses → potential for stabilized or lower freshwater costs for agriculture and resort landscaping → increased viability for water-intensive crops and enhanced landscape aesthetics
Drone shot of an advanced water purification plant surrounded by trees.
Photo by Amine KM

Kapalua Water Security Study Opens Door for New Irrigation Sources, But Further Information is Needed

The Change

Hawaii Water Service (HWS) has launched a feasibility study to assess the viability of a new, decentralized recycled water treatment plant in Kapalua, Maui. This initiative, announced in late February 2026, aims to create a drought-resistant supply of irrigation water by treating and repurposing wastewater. The study will explore the technical and economic feasibility of such a plant, which could significantly alter the landscape of water management and usage in the Kapalua area.

This move is a proactive step towards addressing potential water scarcity, especially in a region reliant on tourism and susceptible to drought conditions. While the study itself does not commit HWS to construction, it represents the first formal step in evaluating advanced water recycling infrastructure for the community.

Who's Affected

Real Estate Owners

Property owners and developers in the Kapalua area may see this as a positive development for long-term water security, particularly for landscaping and non-potable uses. However, the feasibility study is just the first step. The ultimate integration of recycled water infrastructure into existing properties or new developments could involve future connection fees or assessments. For landlords and property managers, understanding the potential for more reliable irrigation for common areas could influence maintenance planning and operational budgets. The long-term impacts on property values are speculative until the study's outcomes are clearer regarding cost and availability.

Tourism Operators

Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Kapalua heavily rely on well-maintained landscapes to attract and retain visitors. A new, drought-resistant water source for irrigation could provide a more stable operating environment, reducing concerns about landscape quality during dry periods. However, the establishment of a new treatment plant could also lead to the introduction of new water rates or fees specifically for recycled water usage. Tourism operators will need to evaluate how these potential new costs might impact their overall operating expenses and pricing strategies. Familiarizing themselves with the study's progress and any public input opportunities will be crucial.

Agriculture & Food Producers

For agricultural and food producers in or near Kapalua, the prospect of a drought-resistant irrigation source is highly significant. This could offer a more reliable water supply, reducing the risks associated with crop failure due to water shortages. The availability of recycled water might also open up opportunities for expanding existing operations or introducing new, water-intensive crops. Producers will need to monitor the study's findings to understand the quality and quantity of recycled water available, as well as any associated costs or regulatory requirements for its agricultural use.

Second-Order Effects

This feasibility study for recycled water in Kapalua could have cascading effects throughout Maui's economy. A more secure and potentially diversified water supply for irrigation (even if non-potable) can reduce pressure on existing freshwater sources. This, in turn, could lessen competition for freshwater between agricultural users, resorts, and residential developments, potentially stabilizing land use negotiations. Furthermore, a successful recycled water project could serve as a model for other water-scarce regions in Hawaii, influencing future infrastructure investments and potentially lowering the overall cost of water management across the state by diversifying supply strategies and reducing reliance on expensive desalination or inter-basin transfers.

What to Do

The feasibility study is currently in its initial information-gathering phase. No immediate actions are required by affected parties, but strategic monitoring is advised.

Real Estate Owners

Watch and Learn: Monitor updates from Hawaii Water Service regarding the progress of the feasibility study. Pay attention to the timelines for public information sessions or comment periods, which will likely be announced in local Maui news outlets and on HWS's official channels. Understanding the projected costs and timeline for any potential infrastructure development will be key for long-term planning.

Tourism Operators

Watch and Engage: Track the study's progress and seek opportunities for engagement, particularly during public consultations. Understand how the potential introduction of recycled water may affect operational costs and landscaping strategies. Identifying a reliable, non-potable water source could become a competitive advantage for resorts that demonstrate environmental stewardship.

Agriculture & Food Producers

Watch and Inquire: Closely follow the study's outcomes, especially regarding water quality, volume, and availability for agricultural use. If the study progresses, consider reaching out to Hawaii Water Service to understand how the recycled water can best serve agricultural needs and inquire about any potential partnerships or pilot programs for farmers.

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