Jesse, I’ve been following you for several months for your drone updates about Lahaina. I admire your passion for Maui and advocating for the people of Maui. This video is another example of your consideration for Maui and its people. I’m certainly not qualified to speak on issues regarding Maui as I’ve only been to Hawaii one time many years ago on a short layover during a flight to Thailand. But I do hope this video instigates demand for the conversations to begin regarding solutions to the fresh water supply deficits and their effect on adequate housing for Maui’s people. Thank you for your leadership in this effort. You are a gem‼️
I live in a water-rich area, but because of the lack of a good rain in almost a month we are in the middle of a drought. The problem isn't lack of enough water, it's a distribution problem. Before resorting to expensive solutions with additional problems, fix the "Distribution Problem" first. Maui seems to be a center of mismanagement that has resulted in a shortage of fresh water for many folks, but I bet the big resorts have plenty.
Alternative examples abound. Look at Bermuda, for one. Every home on the island is required to capture rainwater and store it in a cistern, and large water users like the resorts have their own systems. Some have RO (desalination) and others have older distillation systems. It surely raised the cost of construction, but it was spread across every homeowner and employer. I'm sure it took considerable political will years ago but they had no option.
I thought the mountains above Lahaina had some of the highest amount of rainfall in the world. I don't believe it is a lack of water, it is a lack of storage capacity and of course, the water rights. The lakes that were in Lahaina yesteryear are gone so most of the water is produced from ground water not surface run off. Maui has some of the most intense storms at times, producing flooding, all that water washes to the ocean. Perhaps the more sustainable solution is to create reservoirs to store more water, extracting and replenishing the storage from surface run off. Another is recycled water, clean the sewer water and use it to water the golf courses and public landscaping. I would start there instead of incorporating high cost/high maintenance alternatives. They could certainly be phased into use if the other ideas produce a shortage. Remember, solar panels have a limited lifespan of about 20 years, then they become environmental toxic waste. While trying to create a solution, we may end up creating a whole other problem.
We use our reclaimed sewer water to water our alfalfa fields where it is returned to ground water. This is in Utah where it is a desert and water is definitely in short supply.
Maui has 2 out of the 10 top wettest spots on earth, according to numerous top 10 lists. With a population of less than 200k, that's a lot of water for everyone on Maui. Puu Kukui, Maui, Hawaii 7th Puu Kukui, the highest peak in the West Maui Mountains, receives an average of 386 inches of rain. Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii 8th With an average annual rainfall total of 404 inches, Big Bog experiences precipitation almost constantly. Lahaina means "Merciless Sun" as named by ancient Hawaiians. That water you talked about back in the past was diverted from the upper mountains via stream systems to lower Lahaina. Lahaina was always hot and dry. Perhaps encourage rainfall to not all wash into the ocean via cement man made streams could be a start in keeping groundwater replenished on the regular. But as far as science goes Maui has two of the wettest spots on earth.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I also wonder where all the water goes from the high rainfall areas. I don't understand how the island of Oahu can support a large city like Honolulu but Maui can not. Can anyone explain the difference?
Good question, I'd like to know that too. If we look at Komaha stream in Lahaina next to the cannery mall. It's just a long cement run off straight to the ocean with no apparent avenues for the water to divert naturally into the land. It doesn't appear to be a very natural river or waterway system. Just a straight shot right into the ocean. It also could be partially a manufactured crisis, or mismanagement of water resources, or a little mix of all of the above. Either way there seems to be a water hostage crisis more than an actual water shortage, at least based on rainfall data.
@@JesseGWald Infrastructure . Oahu is the capital so the money is spent there. The West Maui infrastructure is nearly a century old. Pipes a broken, leaking with many bandaids holding them together, reservoirs are also leaking and can't be filled. There are still hard laid brick manholes that should have been replaced decades ago. Been working in Lahaina for over thirty years, it's ugly under the streets.
This is so helpful and informative and I think we will need this treatment around the globe 🌎 Thank you, I am thrilled. Let the people of Maui decide! 😊
During my time in the USN in San Diego, desalination was being discussed. This was in the early 1960s. They finally got serious about it and in 2015 the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant was put into service. However, to date, only 8% of the San Diego water is supplied by this plant. You might check out all the proposals to San Diego over the years.
Thank you for presenting and posting this video. You obviously care about our home! Having done some citizen science volunteer work for NOAA some years ago, that is testing the water quality at Haycraft, South Sugar Beach, the cove, and Ahihi, I never snorkeled off Shore again! I hope that in the future, we can also find ways that would bypass using nasty fertilizer to the golf courses, which increases the chances of our beautiful sea life swimming in toxic waste. Including us, who wish to enjoy watching their beauty in their element. Thanks again for posting!
I think the improvements in solar panels could be what makes this possible. 10 years ago the size of the solar field you would need to power a larger desalination plant was prohibitive. I wouldn't be surprised if the reason no one is talking about it is because it has already been looked at and ruled out because of that reason. I am familiar with that kind of thinking in government. "oh... we already looked at that.. takes too many panels, the solar field would have to be huge".. The other cool thing is with improvements in pumps and in solar panels, you would not necessarily need to put the plant right on the water. It could be on the other size of the highway.
I've been saying this since the day after the fire: "if you can't get rid of the grass, WATER IT." All we need to do is build one desalination plant in Kihei area and one in Lahaina area to keep the surrounding grass green. Then we will never have to worry about a fire big enough to take out the entire towns. In the long run it would probably cost a lot less to do that than trying to keep the grass away. Plus then we will have extra water too for everything else. And then on top of that we can become a producer of table salt on the side.😎🤙🏽
The Maui Department of water supply is in fact already investigating desalination plants to help with the water shortage. The Director is a good guy who is looking at many different sources of additional water. The huge problem I’ve witnessed is the huge amount of NIMBY people on Maui who hate anything new, they don’t want solar power, they hate windmills, they hate any building of any sort that may effect their view. On top of that there is a loud and vocal minority of locals who believe all surface water comes from “Crown Land” and therefore should only be used for native uses or allowed to return naturally to the ocean. Add to this the intrenched anti-development forces who are against any new water sources because it allows more development which they hate. On top of that you have a heavily entrenched bureaucracy that moves extremely slowly, if at all, when something new or different is proposed. Mauian’s are their own worst enemy when a solution is put forward for all the above reasons.
Greetings Jesse, We live in SW FL. We are sorrounded by the Everglades, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. In our Collier County Utilities we have around 40 wells that service our municipal water needs as we are very conscious of tapping into all the fresh water available. In fact around 2/3 of the wells are brackish water. These run through a large RO-type system that utilizes a calcium derivative "sand" based filtering system. This type system could easily be set-up with all the volcanic residual from your area. Just saying... --D.
Isn't there already a canal system in place that runs from the East side around to the west? is it still in use? I read another article somewhere that stated that Maui started drying when they stopped farming sugar. Seems like there needs to be something to replace that crop aside from just letting the lands dry up and become fire fuel. I have stated for years that there needs to be desalination to combat the rising sea levels and water the dry lands! Water creates water! Mine the salt extracted. We need to stop being chicken littles and stop with the sky is falling mentality and fix the issues.. think like farmers!
Very nicely presented Jesse. I think these are viable options. Not being knowledgeable on either of these but a retired building engineer from public schools, I can totally agree with desalinization. I am not sure about capturing the atmosphere humidity, as isn't the rain forest/tropical production of rain based on having saturated climate? If so, would this reduce the tropical rain and possibly be counter-productive? Not sure, just bringing it up for conversation from the experts on the science. My take on expansion if unlimited water can be provided, I feel it's best to have 100% housing in place before any sort of expansion would be considered. Just what I see from my view in Illinois. Hoping Maui can thrive in the future. Best of luck.
Great job Jesse... I don't have much to add because you did so well... Desalination seems to be the way to go for high volume. Vapor solutions tend to always sound better than they really are because they're plagued by cost and volume issues. The high concentration of salt water byproduct from desalination is definitely an issue though. It creates dead zones in the ocean where nothing can live. That's going to be a problem in Hawaii. I'd like to know more about what can be done to mitigate this. There isn't a lot of information out there on that subject.
I think both are feasible. I think we the people, as a community project, need to organize... and bypass government. At least for initial proof of concept and scale testing - to kickstart it. Show it in action, provide an example for how it can be done (for gov to follow, since they aren't exactly "thinkers" here). But also to do on a smaller scale in general (supplemental). If we wait for government to do what is right for us, then we will just die waiting. And whatever may get created will just be a for-profit corporation model, making water even more expensive. Separate from the first paragraph, and this is the most controversial thing I may say too: Kaho'olawe COULD be considered as a testing ground for these type of systems too... could be a green (ecological) preserve (restore native plants, maybe even birds) type place, or for whatever purpose (left to the Hawaiian Kingdom), but literally green (watered), via technology. A garden to demonstrate how to care for the aina, repair and heal the aina. Away from human interference, or incompetent / broken government. Sure, it's a wild dream. Fuck, Ellison and Lanai could equally do the same, or just the first paragraph: put it to work, at scale, in Hawaii State. I am currently in the planning/design phases of testing both atmospheric water generation and desalination on a personal use type scale (family, 500G/day), both via 12VDC systems. I'm in Kihei. Also for use on a sailboat. DIY type builds and systems, very reasonable price and achievable, not rocket science. DIY or retail systems both require maintenance. But some "rocket science" engineering / materials does go into the more promising /advanced (efficient) atmospheric systems... more retail than DIY for some of that tech. But with solar panels being as cheap as they are, efficiency isn't as key, small systems can be powered by one or two panels, in a closed loop system, grid independent. That can scale, and run off live solar input. And make (restore) natural green space, community parks and gardens, etc. I have recently concluded "our" government is broken... doesn't really care enough to do, doesn't have the minds to do (especially locally, federal has the talent pool -- but we're electing mostly the wrong people across the board)... and simply cannot be trusted... so I'm simply trying to do for myself what is needed, for myself (and learn in the process). And water is essential. By gov, I mean all levels... local, state and federal. They are all whack. All broken, dysfunctional at best. None of them, aside from maybe some States and Counties, are working well for the people. But Maui gov... they really don't care! Maui County government gets in the way more than it does good! They are the worst county I have ever lived in, in terms of working with to get about any government business done with. It's like it's a sport to fuck with the people, slow down anything, add absurd costs to the equation, provide no value. Incompetence, corruption, little desire to provide value in return for taxes paid type culture. They are not thinkers, that is for sure. And in the 10 years I've lived here, I'm not seeing any attempt to change. With voter turn-out as low as it is... no one needs to change, no pressure to change. I am also about to see where my water table is and tap (1.25" well point) into that. Those parts just arrived. :) If shit hits the fan, I can then at least have safe water to drink. I have solar and battery, so I have refrigeration and induction cooking ability, etc.
Appreciate you bringing attention to how simple technology like Source water would actually be cheaper than people continuously buying plastic water 💦 bottles in bulk from Costco. Any new homes do not need to be grid connected for water, sewer or energy. That off grid technology has existed for years and used in both rural and remote areas around the globe.
I propose that our Director of Water Supply make an exhaustive online study of available technologies, and then do site visits of these technologies in use in similar environments to ours. Don’t get swayed by vendors coming here pitching their companies, but instead do fact finding trips, while being mindful to stay within a modest trip budget. I, as a taxpayer, do not want to get soaked for luxury pleasure jaunts.
Desalination isn’t that inexpensive. More water excess storage on the wet side of the island could built and use solar power to pump it to the mountains.
The brine problem with desalinization is not going to be solved anytime soon, it takes years for tech to come from universities into commercial use. Maui needs to practice permaculture and start building more reservoirs now. Recycling of water for commercial use needs to be mandated.
When I heard the comment about the environmental problems of returning more salty water to the ocean, it made me stop and think of the process. I don't think that there is an environmental issue. Let me explain. With desalinization, salt water is taken from the ocean and you end up with salt-free water and "saltier" water. But where does the salt-free water go? Well some is returned to the ocean in the form of sewage and some goes into the ground water as a result of irrigation. But the areas being irrigated are generally very close to the coast. So, the ground water is slowly flowing back into the ocean. That offsets the amount of "saltier" water. It is essentially a closed system.
When do you run for president of the universe? You have good ideas. I like the water solution eventually being a housing solution. Those that control the water, control more than that and are reluctant to give that up. Water is power. I was born and raised here...the water problem is on-going. Wouldn't it be exciting to have a solution in my lifetime? I'm almost 50 years young.
In Calif the liberal legislature will spend $100 Billion for a high speed train that won't be high speed and will go from nowhere to nowhere. Rather that money could be spent on a system of desalination plants up and down the coast. One exists in Huntington Beach sitting stagnant for over a decade. Desalination plants will be forced on us when Hawaii and the southwest mainland are in crisis.
Can a community cap the population based on available resources? Just like fire code only allows for a max occupancy. Maybe the island is at max and putting more demand on the island or any place not a sustainable plan. It might be time for a 1 in 1 out approach. I would like to see a study of water use by industry and how many “locals” benefit. The benefit should be measured by way of life or by profit and see where that takes us.
They need to fix the century old infrastructure that leaks like a sieve. Unfortunately the town burning down added a new problem. Because most all of the old trees burned and are gone temperatures will rise in Lahaina. It will get worse...
If you look at an aerial view of the southeast San Francisco Bay just west of Milpitas in Google Earth, you will see an area where they either do or did make salt from sea water. Why can't the hypersalinized water be evaporated to make salt as a byproduct. The world needs salt almost as much as water ... just ask Morton Salt. This could be an additional way to offset the cost of desalinization and add more jobs for Maui.
100 percent. Maui does not have a fresh water problem, particularly when using modern technology. Air to water generation is real as is the process of desalination. It is time to think outside of the box.
A solution that everyone from the Hawaiian community to hippies would freak out about, but would solve the issue and generate green energy is the damming of Waihee Valley. It will never happen. People need to understand that life involves trade offs.
I love this direction of thinking. The sense of problem solving instead of blame is refreshing. Thank you! Best
Best wishes to all Mauians.
Jesse, I’ve been following you for several months for your drone updates about Lahaina. I admire your passion for Maui and advocating for the people of Maui. This video is another example of your consideration for Maui and its people. I’m certainly not qualified to speak on issues regarding Maui as I’ve only been to Hawaii one time many years ago on a short layover during a flight to Thailand. But I do hope this video instigates demand for the conversations to begin regarding solutions to the fresh water supply deficits and their effect on adequate housing for Maui’s people. Thank you for your leadership in this effort. You are a gem‼️
I live in a water-rich area, but because of the lack of a good rain in almost a month we are in the middle of a drought. The problem isn't lack of enough water, it's a distribution problem. Before resorting to expensive solutions with additional problems, fix the "Distribution Problem" first. Maui seems to be a center of mismanagement that has resulted in a shortage of fresh water for many folks, but I bet the big resorts have plenty.
Alternative examples abound. Look at Bermuda, for one. Every home on the island is required to capture rainwater and store it in a cistern, and large water users like the resorts have their own systems. Some have RO (desalination) and others have older distillation systems. It surely raised the cost of construction, but it was spread across every homeowner and employer. I'm sure it took considerable political will years ago but they had no option.
I thought the mountains above Lahaina had some of the highest amount of rainfall in the world. I don't believe it is a lack of water, it is a lack of storage capacity and of course, the water rights. The lakes that were in Lahaina yesteryear are gone so most of the water is produced from ground water not surface run off. Maui has some of the most intense storms at times, producing flooding, all that water washes to the ocean. Perhaps the more sustainable solution is to create reservoirs to store more water, extracting and replenishing the storage from surface run off. Another is recycled water, clean the sewer water and use it to water the golf courses and public landscaping. I would start there instead of incorporating high cost/high maintenance alternatives. They could certainly be phased into use if the other ideas produce a shortage. Remember, solar panels have a limited lifespan of about 20 years, then they become environmental toxic waste. While trying to create a solution, we may end up creating a whole other problem.
We use this water, called Brown Water, to water all of our road vegetation here in SW FL --D..
We use our reclaimed sewer water to water our alfalfa fields where it is returned to ground water. This is in Utah where it is a desert and water is definitely in short supply.
When the sugar cane went away it changed the climate.
They blame it "climate change" but they did it.
Maui has 2 out of the 10 top wettest spots on earth, according to numerous top 10 lists. With a population of less than 200k, that's a lot of water for everyone on Maui.
Puu Kukui, Maui, Hawaii 7th
Puu Kukui, the highest peak in the West Maui Mountains, receives an average of 386 inches of rain.
Big Bog, Maui, Hawaii 8th
With an average annual rainfall total of 404 inches, Big Bog experiences precipitation almost constantly.
Lahaina means "Merciless Sun" as named by ancient Hawaiians. That water you talked about back in the past was diverted from the upper mountains via stream systems to lower Lahaina.
Lahaina was always hot and dry.
Perhaps encourage rainfall to not all wash into the ocean via cement man made streams could be a start in keeping groundwater replenished on the regular.
But as far as science goes Maui has two of the wettest spots on earth.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I also wonder where all the water goes from the high rainfall areas. I don't understand how the island of Oahu can support a large city like Honolulu but Maui can not. Can anyone explain the difference?
Good question, I'd like to know that too.
If we look at Komaha stream in Lahaina next to the cannery mall. It's just a long cement run off straight to the ocean with no apparent avenues for the water to divert naturally into the land. It doesn't appear to be a very natural river or waterway system. Just a straight shot right into the ocean.
It also could be partially a manufactured crisis, or mismanagement of water resources, or a little mix of all of the above.
Either way there seems to be a water hostage crisis more than an actual water shortage, at least based on rainfall data.
Save that water.
Build a lake.
@@JesseGWald
Infrastructure .
Oahu is the capital so the money is spent there.
The West Maui infrastructure is nearly a century old.
Pipes a broken, leaking with many bandaids holding them together, reservoirs are also leaking and can't be filled. There are still hard laid brick manholes that should have been replaced decades ago.
Been working in Lahaina for over thirty years, it's ugly under the streets.
This is so helpful and informative and I think we will need this treatment around the globe 🌎
Thank you, I am thrilled. Let the people of Maui decide! 😊
Thank you for this video, very informative.
During my time in the USN in San Diego, desalination was being discussed. This was in the early 1960s. They finally got serious about it and in 2015 the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant was put into service. However, to date, only 8% of the San Diego water is supplied by this plant. You might check out all the proposals to San Diego over the years.
Thank you for presenting and posting this video. You obviously care about our home!
Having done some citizen science volunteer work for NOAA some years ago, that is testing the water quality at Haycraft, South Sugar Beach, the cove, and Ahihi, I never snorkeled off Shore again! I hope that in the future, we can also find ways that would bypass using nasty fertilizer to the golf courses, which increases the chances of our beautiful sea life swimming in toxic waste. Including us, who wish to enjoy watching their beauty in their element.
Thanks again for posting!
I think the improvements in solar panels could be what makes this possible. 10 years ago the size of the solar field you would need to power a larger desalination plant was prohibitive. I wouldn't be surprised if the reason no one is talking about it is because it has already been looked at and ruled out because of that reason. I am familiar with that kind of thinking in government. "oh... we already looked at that.. takes too many panels, the solar field would have to be huge".. The other cool thing is with improvements in pumps and in solar panels, you would not necessarily need to put the plant right on the water. It could be on the other size of the highway.
Eliza island in Washington state has a desalination source of water. It is a small community and they make it work. You gotta wanna.....
Very informative - thank you
I've been saying this since the day after the fire: "if you can't get rid of the grass, WATER IT."
All we need to do is build one desalination plant in Kihei area and one in Lahaina area to keep the surrounding grass green. Then we will never have to worry about a fire big enough to take out the entire towns. In the long run it would probably cost a lot less to do that than trying to keep the grass away. Plus then we will have extra water too for everything else. And then on top of that we can become a producer of table salt on the side.😎🤙🏽
100% correct
You notice that the golf courses are always nice and green.
The Maui Department of water supply is in fact already investigating desalination plants to help with the water shortage. The Director is a good guy who is looking at many different sources of additional water. The huge problem I’ve witnessed is the huge amount of NIMBY people on Maui who hate anything new, they don’t want solar power, they hate windmills, they hate any building of any sort that may effect their view. On top of that there is a loud and vocal minority of locals who believe all surface water comes from “Crown Land” and therefore should only be used for native uses or allowed to return naturally to the ocean. Add to this the intrenched anti-development forces who are against any new water sources because it allows more development which they hate. On top of that you have a heavily entrenched bureaucracy that moves extremely slowly, if at all, when something new or different is proposed.
Mauian’s are their own worst enemy when a solution is put forward for all the above reasons.
Thanks for sharing this. I’m happy to hear that the Maui Department of water supply is already looking into it.
Greetings Jesse, We live in SW FL. We are sorrounded by the Everglades, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. In our Collier County Utilities we have around 40 wells that service our municipal water needs as we are very conscious of tapping into all the fresh water available. In fact around 2/3 of the wells are brackish water. These run through a large RO-type system that utilizes a calcium derivative "sand" based filtering system. This type system could easily be set-up with all the volcanic residual from your area. Just saying... --D.
Isn't there already a canal system in place that runs from the East side around to the west? is it still in use? I read another article somewhere that stated that Maui started drying when they stopped farming sugar. Seems like there needs to be something to replace that crop aside from just letting the lands dry up and become fire fuel. I have stated for years that there needs to be desalination to combat the rising sea levels and water the dry lands! Water creates water! Mine the salt extracted. We need to stop being chicken littles and stop with the sky is falling mentality and fix the issues.. think like farmers!
Very nicely presented Jesse. I think these are viable options. Not being knowledgeable on either of these but a retired building engineer from public schools, I can totally agree with desalinization. I am not sure about capturing the atmosphere humidity, as isn't the rain forest/tropical production of rain based on having saturated climate? If so, would this reduce the tropical rain and possibly be counter-productive? Not sure, just bringing it up for conversation from the experts on the science. My take on expansion if unlimited water can be provided, I feel it's best to have 100% housing in place before any sort of expansion would be considered. Just what I see from my view in Illinois. Hoping Maui can thrive in the future. Best of luck.
Thanks for sharing your insights as a retired building engineer !!!
Thank you Jesse
Great job Jesse... I don't have much to add because you did so well... Desalination seems to be the way to go for high volume. Vapor solutions tend to always sound better than they really are because they're plagued by cost and volume issues. The high concentration of salt water byproduct from desalination is definitely an issue though. It creates dead zones in the ocean where nothing can live. That's going to be a problem in Hawaii. I'd like to know more about what can be done to mitigate this. There isn't a lot of information out there on that subject.
Thank you!
Wastewater in Hawaii used to be piped far offshore to deep waters. The same could be done with the brine with minimal impact the biomes.
Thanks for sharing. Wery interesting
At least you're thinking outside of the box..powers that be need to look into alternatives!
I think both are feasible. I think we the people, as a community project, need to organize... and bypass government. At least for initial proof of concept and scale testing - to kickstart it. Show it in action, provide an example for how it can be done (for gov to follow, since they aren't exactly "thinkers" here). But also to do on a smaller scale in general (supplemental). If we wait for government to do what is right for us, then we will just die waiting. And whatever may get created will just be a for-profit corporation model, making water even more expensive.
Separate from the first paragraph, and this is the most controversial thing I may say too: Kaho'olawe COULD be considered as a testing ground for these type of systems too... could be a green (ecological) preserve (restore native plants, maybe even birds) type place, or for whatever purpose (left to the Hawaiian Kingdom), but literally green (watered), via technology. A garden to demonstrate how to care for the aina, repair and heal the aina. Away from human interference, or incompetent / broken government. Sure, it's a wild dream. Fuck, Ellison and Lanai could equally do the same, or just the first paragraph: put it to work, at scale, in Hawaii State.
I am currently in the planning/design phases of testing both atmospheric water generation and desalination on a personal use type scale (family, 500G/day), both via 12VDC systems. I'm in Kihei. Also for use on a sailboat. DIY type builds and systems, very reasonable price and achievable, not rocket science. DIY or retail systems both require maintenance. But some "rocket science" engineering / materials does go into the more promising /advanced (efficient) atmospheric systems... more retail than DIY for some of that tech. But with solar panels being as cheap as they are, efficiency isn't as key, small systems can be powered by one or two panels, in a closed loop system, grid independent. That can scale, and run off live solar input. And make (restore) natural green space, community parks and gardens, etc.
I have recently concluded "our" government is broken... doesn't really care enough to do, doesn't have the minds to do (especially locally, federal has the talent pool -- but we're electing mostly the wrong people across the board)... and simply cannot be trusted... so I'm simply trying to do for myself what is needed, for myself (and learn in the process). And water is essential. By gov, I mean all levels... local, state and federal. They are all whack. All broken, dysfunctional at best. None of them, aside from maybe some States and Counties, are working well for the people.
But Maui gov... they really don't care! Maui County government gets in the way more than it does good! They are the worst county I have ever lived in, in terms of working with to get about any government business done with. It's like it's a sport to fuck with the people, slow down anything, add absurd costs to the equation, provide no value. Incompetence, corruption, little desire to provide value in return for taxes paid type culture. They are not thinkers, that is for sure. And in the 10 years I've lived here, I'm not seeing any attempt to change. With voter turn-out as low as it is... no one needs to change, no pressure to change.
I am also about to see where my water table is and tap (1.25" well point) into that. Those parts just arrived. :)
If shit hits the fan, I can then at least have safe water to drink. I have solar and battery, so I have refrigeration and induction cooking ability, etc.
A desalination plant on one part of the island does no good as long as we continue not to have an island wide distribution system.
Appreciate you bringing attention to how simple technology like Source water would actually be cheaper than people continuously buying plastic water 💦 bottles in bulk from Costco. Any new homes do not need to be grid connected for water, sewer or energy. That off grid technology has existed for years and used in both rural and remote areas around the globe.
I propose that our Director of Water Supply make an exhaustive online study of available technologies, and then do site visits of these technologies in use in similar environments to ours. Don’t get swayed by vendors coming here pitching their companies, but instead do fact finding trips, while being mindful to stay within a modest trip budget. I, as a taxpayer, do not want to get soaked for luxury pleasure jaunts.
Desalination isn’t that inexpensive. More water excess storage on the wet side of the island could built and use solar power to pump it to the mountains.
The brine problem with desalinization is not going to be solved anytime soon, it takes years for tech to come from universities into commercial use. Maui needs to practice permaculture and start building more reservoirs now. Recycling of water for commercial use needs to be mandated.
Doesn't Lanai use fog catchers for some of there water? Might be a good idea for that Makena cloud area.
When I heard the comment about the environmental problems of returning more salty water to the ocean, it made me stop and think of the process. I don't think that there is an environmental issue. Let me explain. With desalinization, salt water is taken from the ocean and you end up with salt-free water and "saltier" water. But where does the salt-free water go? Well some is returned to the ocean in the form of sewage and some goes into the ground water as a result of irrigation. But the areas being irrigated are generally very close to the coast. So, the ground water is slowly flowing back into the ocean. That offsets the amount of "saltier" water. It is essentially a closed system.
When do you run for president of the universe? You have good ideas. I like the water solution eventually being a housing solution. Those that control the water, control more than that and are reluctant to give that up. Water is power. I was born and raised here...the water problem is on-going. Wouldn't it be exciting to have a solution in my lifetime? I'm almost 50 years young.
In Calif the liberal legislature will spend $100 Billion for a high speed train that won't be high speed and will go from nowhere to nowhere. Rather that money could be spent on a system of desalination plants up and down the coast. One exists in Huntington Beach sitting stagnant for over a decade. Desalination plants will be forced on us when Hawaii and the southwest mainland are in crisis.
...there's a nice one in San Diego (Carlsbad), re: Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant
Can a community cap the population based on available resources? Just like fire code only allows for a max occupancy. Maybe the island is at max and putting more demand on the island or any place not a sustainable plan. It might be time for a 1 in 1 out approach. I would like to see a study of water use by industry and how many “locals” benefit. The benefit should be measured by way of life or by profit and see where that takes us.
They need to fix the century old infrastructure that leaks like a sieve.
Unfortunately the town burning down added a new problem. Because most all of the old trees burned and are gone temperatures will rise in Lahaina.
It will get worse...
Desalination is primary source, I am pretty sure, in many of the middle east countries with a salt water shoreline.
If you look at an aerial view of the southeast San Francisco Bay just west of Milpitas in Google Earth, you will see an area where they either do or did make salt from sea water. Why can't the hypersalinized water be evaporated to make salt as a byproduct. The world needs salt almost as much as water ... just ask Morton Salt. This could be an additional way to offset the cost of desalinization and add more jobs for Maui.
100 percent. Maui does not have a fresh water problem, particularly when using modern technology. Air to water generation is real as is the process of desalination. It is time to think outside of the box.
Of course it will work. The question is, are you willing to pay the cost?
I may be crazy but it looks like he is reading a teleprompter.
A solution that everyone from the Hawaiian community to hippies would freak out about, but would solve the issue and generate green energy is the damming of Waihee Valley. It will never happen. People need to understand that life involves trade offs.
Good topic, but there are lots of better, professional sources for this topic other than Elon Musk.