Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Water and Land Senate Committee Chair Lorraine R. Inouye (Senate District 1, Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo) issued a statement today regarding the announcement of Kaleo Manuel’s Departure from The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), effective January 5, 2024.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the dedicated service of Kaleo Manuel during his tenure as the Commission on Water Resources First Deputy,” said Senator Inouye. “Kaleo Manuel has had an outstanding track record as the CWRM First Deputy, and he will be truly missed. He was always fair and balanced in his approach to making water conservation decisions. As the CWRM First Deputy, he always kept the ‘Āina, and the water rights of the people of Hawaii front of mind when doing his job. His departure is a loss for the State, as he leaves behind an outstanding track record that reflects his unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi.
As the CWRM First Deputy, he exhibited a rare combination of expertise and compassion, ensuring that the delicate balance between the needs of our communities and the preservation of the ‘Āina was maintained. One of Kaleo's remarkable qualities was his constant consideration for the water rights of the people of Hawaiʻi. He understood the vital role that water plays in our daily lives and the broader implications for our environment. Whether addressing issues of allocation, sustainability, or infrastructure, Kaleo always kept the 'Āina and the well-being of our communities at the forefront of his decision-making. Among his many accomplishments, Kaleo Manuel successfully guided DLNR and the Commission on Water Resources through the Red Hill crisis, and in 2022 he implemented the Lahaina Aquifer Sector Area as both a Surface and Ground Water Management Area, which has been widely supported by the West Maui community. In 2019, he was also instrumental in reorganizing the commission to what it is today.
I am grateful for Kaleo’s service and the dedication he brought to his role. While saddened by the departure of Kaleo Manuel as the CWRM First Deputy, I want to extend my best wishes to him on his future endeavors and hope that his passion for responsible water management will continue to inspire positive change in our community.”