The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a significant investment in Maui’s water infrastructure, awarding the County of Maui’s Lahaina Water Recycling Project $15.6 million in federal funding. This funding will support the expansion of the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility and significantly increase its capacity for recycled water.

The $15,622,013 award will be directed toward the planning, design and construction of key components, including an effluent pump station, storage tanks, transmission lines, service lines, distribution lines and other essential upgrades to the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility.

“We are incredibly grateful for this critical federal support,” said Shayne Agawa, Director of the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management (DEM). “This funding will not only improve water quality but also strengthen the reliability of our water supplies and infrastructure — particularly in light of the devastating impact of the 2023 Lahaina wildfire on our water resources. Upon completion, this project will provide 3,472 acre-feet of recycled water annually to meet non-potable water demands and address future needs as the community continues to grow.”

The Lahaina Water Recycling Project is part of President Biden’s broader Investing in America initiative, which includes a $223 million allocation to enhance resilience to drought and increase water supplies across the nation.

Maui’s project is one of only two Title XVI congressionally authorized projects selected for funding.

For information on the U.S. Department of the Interior announcement made Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, visit https://www.doi.gov/news.

For general information on the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/environmentalmanagement.