Concerns Grow Over Water Crisis Affecting Renowned Maui Golf Course
HONOLULU (AP) — Nestled high in the west Maui mountains, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort has long welcomed golfers with stunning ocean views and impeccable greens. However, recent challenges surrounding water access have sparked significant concerns for the course’s future, as well as its immense economic impact on the local community.
For over 25 years, the PGA Tour’s highly acclaimed event, The Sentry, has called this course home, attracting visitors from around the world. “You have to see it to believe it,” reflected Ann Miller, a former golf writer in Honolulu, praising the breathtaking vistas that captivate countless players. Sadly, the once-vibrant emerald fairways have transformed into browning grass due to severe drought conditions and the devastating 2023 wildfire that swept through Lahaina. This shift prompted the PGA Tour to cancel The Sentry, resulting in an estimated $50 million economic loss for the region.
After a two-month closure and some much-needed rain, the Plantation Course recently reopened 17 of its holes to eager golfers, with the final hole expected to follow shortly. Yet, questions loom over the course’s sustainability amid ongoing climate change and scrutiny over the water sources used to maintain its famed beauty.
As Miller noted, the potential fallout from these issues could extend beyond golf, affecting local charities and the region’s overall appeal. Golf course owners, alongside homeowners and local farms, have filed a lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple, which manages the water system for the area. While the case unfolds, Earthjustice—a nonprofit environmental organization—has raised alarms regarding the use of potable water for irrigation, which has become a contentious topic, especially amid ongoing drought conditions and water restrictions.
Lauren Palakiko, a local taro farmer and advocate for water rights, emphasized the need for reform in how water is allocated. “This is water that we can drink,” she stated, pointing to the sacredness of water in Hawaiian culture.
A Call for Change
The Plantation Course has historically received surface water for irrigation, yet reports indicate an increasing reliance on potable groundwater. Maui Land & Pineapple has denied that groundwater usage is permissible for this purpose, raising further concerns among local residents and environmentalists.
Kamanamaikalani Beamer, a former water commissioner, urged a shift in the approach to water management for golf courses. “I think there needs to be a time very soon that all golf courses are utilizing at a minimum recycled water,” he noted, highlighting a vision consistent with stewardship and responsible management of resources.
In the Christian tradition, this dilemma resonates with the principle of stewardship over God’s creation, reminding us of the importance of wise and ethical use of natural resources. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus describes the parable of the talents, where servants are entrusted with resources and evaluated based on their management. This story highlights that our relationship with resources, including water, carries both responsibility and accountability.
An Invitation to Reflect
As the community navigates these challenges, it serves as an important reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world. The future of the Kapalua Course—and the broader Hawaii golf scene—hangs in the balance, much like our stewardship of the planet.
Reflecting on these events, let us consider how we use the resources entrusted to us. Are we being wise stewards? Through cooperation and open dialogue rooted in respect for both the land and its people, we can seek solutions that benefit all, echoing the biblical call to care for each other and the Earth.
As we ponder this significant moment in Maui’s history, let’s commit to protecting the beauty of creation while uplifting our communities. Together, we can strive for a harmonious future that respects the sacred resources bestowed upon us.
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