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.

Monday’s vote marks one of the last steps in setting up the 11-member board that will help shape East Maui’s water future.

The County Council’s selections marked the culmination of a weekslong power struggle over control of the board that will help shape the region’s future.

As the council moves to vote later this week, the member recommended by DHHL may have to wait for Hawaiian Homes Commission approval.

The council is considering the additional applicants as DHHL scraps its initial recommendation of Jonathan Likeke Scheuer. 

County officials are extending the application process for another week.