In a recent meeting held in Maui County, discussions centered around the critical issue of water resources and the environmental challenges facing the community. As the sun dipped below the horizon, illuminating the faces of concerned residents, one speaker passionately addressed the pressing need for a shift in how water is perceived and managed.

The speaker highlighted the stark reality of finite resources, particularly water, and the detrimental effects of a system designed to create scarcity. "Capitalism relies on scarcity," they noted, emphasizing that this scarcity drives up costs and exacerbates the challenges faced by the community. The conversation took a hopeful turn when a kupuna, or elder, shared insights from a recent East Maui Water Authority meeting, advocating for a future based on abundance rather than scarcity.

This vision of abundance hinges on the proper caretaking of the watershed, or 'aina, as the speaker explained. They stressed that infrastructure alone—like wells and transmission lines—cannot create water. Instead, it is the trees and foliage that gather moisture from the clouds, nurturing the land and ensuring a sustainable water supply.

The dialogue also touched on the importance of language and its power, with the speaker reflecting on the choice of words like "servantship" over "stewardship." They underscored the significance of understanding one's surroundings and the seasonal changes that affect the ecosystem. This perspective aligns with the Hawaiian concept of Kuleana, which emphasizes responsibility and care for the land and resources.

As the meeting concluded, the community was left with a renewed sense of purpose. The call for a collective effort to embrace abundance and foster a deeper connection with the environment resonated strongly, leaving attendees pondering their role in this vital conversation about water and sustainability in Maui County.