To: The Hawaii State Senate
Gov. Ige - Veto HB2501, the Water Theft bill
Despite PR to the contrary, this is a special interest bill overturning the court decision that A&B has to follow the rules and do the EA they've been putting off for 13 years before they can keep diverting water from East Maui. Even though A&B has complied with the court's decision on eight streams, there are many more still being diverted.
Why is this important?
Don't like a court ruling? Then change the law! That's what A&B did with HB2501 water rights holdover bill. A&B is the ONLY entity with a fictional "holdover" permit, and this is a special interest bill illegally helping a single company. Don't fall for the A&B PR. It affects nobody but A&B. Nobody else wants it passed. The Court considered this carefully, but the Legislator was inundated with false talking points and most members don't even understand the issue or the bill itself. It is never a good idea to try and overrule a Court decision like this. Protect water users like those in Huelo whose stream is dry and who will face another 3 years of no water if this bill goes into effect.