The latest on the Red Hill water crisis and what the future may hold as a result of the crisis are among the topics of discussion at a virtual presentation, Let’s Talk Wai, 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, via Zoom.
The Nālimakui Native Hawaiian Council at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu will host the presentation, which will feature Ernie Lau, the manager and chief engineer of the Board of Water Supply (BWS).
All UH West Oʻahu students, faculty, and staff, and the general public, are welcome to join the Nālimakui Council at the event as the council receives from Lau the latest information and updates about the Red Hill water crisis, and discusses everyone’s reciprocal relationship to the land.
As BWS manager, Lau is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the BWS, with a focus on furthering the department’s mission to provide a safe, dependable, and affordable water supply, now and into the future.
“There are a lot of issues that divide us today but one thing we have in common is that we all need water,” said Kawena Komeiji, a member of the Nālimakui Council. “All water drinkers on Oʻahu and across the pae ʻāina should be extremely concerned about what is happening at Kapūkakī (Red Hill).”
According to its website, the purpose of the Nālimakui Council is to provide a formal, independent voice and organization through which the Native Hawaiian faculty, administrators, and students of UH West Oʻahu can participate in the development and interpretation of systemwide policy and practice as it relates to Native Hawaiian programs, activities, initiatives, and issues.
“The Nālimakui Native Hawaiian Council encourages anyone and everyone to attend this informational session to learn more about what is happening and what the future may hold if the fuel tanks are not drained and moved,” Komeiji said.
Register to attend Let’s Talk Wai at bit.ly/talkwai. Explore this resource guide from the James & Abigail Campbell Library to learn about the Red Hill fuel tanks and water crisis, and more.
