During a recent Maui County Council meeting, community advocate Jordan Ruedes presented testimony on Resolution Number 24161, which addresses the expansion of R1 water usage. Representing Lahaina Strong, Ruedes emphasized the need for prioritizing environmental health and local community needs over unchecked development in the region.

Ruedes highlighted that the plan has always been to direct R1 water south to Lahaina, asserting that this approach would enhance the town's resilience, improve land management, and reduce fire risks. He expressed strong opposition to any policies that favor development at the expense of the environment and local residents, urging the council to send the resolution to committee for further discussion.

Key concerns raised included the necessity of returning conserved water to local streams, which are crucial for both ecological and cultural health. Ruedes called for safeguards to prevent luxury developments from exacerbating water resource strains, advocating instead for local affordable housing solutions.

The discussion also touched on the geographical implications of water distribution, with Ruedes clarifying that \"south\" refers specifically to Lahaina town, while \"north\" encompasses areas like Kapalua, which he argued do not require further luxury development due to their existing lush environment and rainfall.

The meeting underscored the community's desire for more outreach and engagement on water management policies, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Maui County.