HA'IKU, Maui — The state Commission on Water Resource Management today approved instream flow standards for eight East Maui streams: Honopou; Hanehoi and Puolua; Pi'ina'au; Palauhulu; Waiokamilo; Kualani; Waikani; and East and West Wailuanui.

Commission Chairwoman Laura H. Thielen said the action represents "a monumental shift" in stream-flow policy in Hawai'i by making sure there is enough water to support native flora and fauna and traditional and customary Hawaiian practices such as taro farming before stream water is diverted for agricultural and urban use.

The eight streams under consideration have been diverted by East Maui Irrigation Co., a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin Co., for more than 100 years to provide water for sugar in the Central Maui plains. More recently, diverted stream water has been sent to Upcountry Maui residents for domestic use and to farmers in Kula Agricultural Park.

A group of East Maui taro farmers petitioned the water commission in 2001 to establish minimum flow standards for 27 streams.

Commission staff continue working on recommendations for instream flow standards for the remaining 19 streams.