The Maui County Council wants to secure the long-term water leases for East Maui that are pending before the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Leases for the Nāhiku, Keʻanae, Honomanū and Huelo areas are also being pursued by East Maui Irrigation, which is jointly owned by Alexander and Baldwin, and agriculture venture Mahi Pono.
The council voted 8-1 on Jan. 7 to adopt a resolution urging Mayor Michael Victorino to seek an intergovernmental agreement that would let Maui County take over the proposed 30-year lease.
East Maui Councilmember Shane Sinenci, who introduced the resolution, says the county has the opportunity to manage the water as a public trust resource.
Sinenci says acquiring these leases will allow the county to support local farmers, food security and sustainable agriculture.