Posted by Pono Kealoha on September 4, 2008 at 9:53pm
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/27890654.htmlMolokai Residents Protest at the CapitolBy Manolo MoralesWater bills for Molokai residents have nearly tripled since the beginning of the month and they're asking the state to do something about it.A few dozen Molokai residents flew in to Honolulu to make a point, that the recent water rate hikes are unaffordable and unjustified."For my family alone, 10-thousand dollars in the economically hard time Molokai."And among the many officials they wanted to talk to is someone in the governor's office."We're already being victimized is our message," said Walter Ritte."Okay I appreciate you taking the time to do this," said Barry Fukunaga.The state Public Utilities Commission approved an increase of up to 178 percent for water being provided by Molokai Properties, which also owns Molokai Ranch. This was after the ranch had threatened to shut off water service because the company said it couldn't afford to do it anymore."These state agencies need to declare the process null and void and we need to have a fair hearing for the island of Molokai," said Ritte.Molokai Ranch stopped commercial operations in April which also laid off 120 workers. The company says it couldn't sustain the business without the approval of a proposed luxury housing development at Laau Point. So without the housing development, many are unemployed and are forced to pay skyrocketing water bills. Some state legislators are crying foul."It really is about a profiteer on an island that wishes to do what the island is not suited to do," said Kaneohe Senator Clayton Hee."The people of Molokai cannot afford to pay such inflated rate increases as a means to subsidize mismanaged utilities. This is injustice," said Moloka Representative Mele Carrol.The governor's chief of staff says the state is looking at different ways to continue water service and still make it affordable."There's been mention of the state or the county and even the ranch continuing or another provider," said Barry Fukunaga.The rate hikes are in effect for the next six months
The County of Kaua'i should treat this issue as an emergency and provide access to water in the area affected. Here in Kohala we have 2 sections of town entrance - Upolu Point and midway in Halaula which provide public access for water off of fire hydrants - hose system set up and maintained by the County Fire Department.
Since the earthquake of 2006 the public is able to use this water whether for drinking for home use, crops or animal herd. It doesn't matter if it is for personal or business. There is no discrimination as it is always available 24/7 since our water crisis issues for some of our community members. The water is for the people and the County of Kaua'i should at least make this available if possible off their waterlines = it's an inconvenience to those who may use this ermergeny service but it is available and it is free as "a shared responsibility".
So you find trucks that have rigged a unit to feed water into their homes or agricultural interests - there is no regulation on how you want to transport the water for your use. For us here, until water is restored fully to those that continue to "haul water" due to the earthquake damages irregardless of whether or not they received it from the county waterlines (I am fortunate to not have the need), it is for the people's use no questions asked. County officials on Kaua'i should look at this as an alternative plan to continue to service the needs of those affected by the Ranch Land Waters. County of Kaua'i shoud quit saying, "not me" and DO SOMETHING to help in the meantime.
Comments
Since the earthquake of 2006 the public is able to use this water whether for drinking for home use, crops or animal herd. It doesn't matter if it is for personal or business. There is no discrimination as it is always available 24/7 since our water crisis issues for some of our community members. The water is for the people and the County of Kaua'i should at least make this available if possible off their waterlines = it's an inconvenience to those who may use this ermergeny service but it is available and it is free as "a shared responsibility".
So you find trucks that have rigged a unit to feed water into their homes or agricultural interests - there is no regulation on how you want to transport the water for your use. For us here, until water is restored fully to those that continue to "haul water" due to the earthquake damages irregardless of whether or not they received it from the county waterlines (I am fortunate to not have the need), it is for the people's use no questions asked. County officials on Kaua'i should look at this as an alternative plan to continue to service the needs of those affected by the Ranch Land Waters. County of Kaua'i shoud quit saying, "not me" and DO SOMETHING to help in the meantime.