Peter Martin spent decades guzzling water around Lahaina. Then came the fire.

The vote came after months of community outreach by the Board of Water Supply in a bid to prepare customers in advance.

The state panel heard passionate testimony from Lahaina residents and many others during its first meeting on the island since the Aug. 8 tragedy.

Residents testifying at a Commission on Water Resource Management meeting also said it's time for a new chapter in water management after the Maui fires.

BWS says additional spending required because of Red Hill-related problems and inflation is forcing it to charge higher rates

As they await test results, Maui residents in affected areas are told not to drink tap water and to wash their clothes in cold water.

DHHL hopes to use some of the $600 million appropriated for homelands last year to improve infrastructure, including water access.

The action marked the last step in creating the new board, which is tasked with choosing the director of the new government entity.

The county water department has fallen woefully behind while shuffling through six managers in eight years.

Advocates are urging residents to call the governor's office to fend off the vetos.