Maui County should significantly raise water rates on Luxury Hotels. This will both encourage them to use less water and provide much needed funding for Affordable Housing for their employees.
 
Increasing water rates on luxury hotels is a strategy Maui County could use to generate additional funding for affordable housing while promoting water conservation. Here’s how implementing this approach can benefit the community:

1. Context
Maui County, like many regions, faces challenges with water scarcity and the provision of affordable housing. Luxury hotels, being major users of water, present an opportunity to both raise funds and conserve water.

2. Rationale for Targeting Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels generally have high water consumption due to extensive amenities such as pools, gardens, golf courses, and frequent laundry services. By increasing water rates for these heavy users, Maui County can simultaneously address resource management and funding needs.

3. Implementation Steps

• Water Usage Assessment: Analyze current water consumption by all luxury hotels to determine the appropriate rate increase and identify the biggest water users.

• Rate Structure Adjustment: Implement a tiered water rate structure where higher rates apply to water consumption beyond a certain threshold, specifically tailored to high-usage properties such as luxury hotels.

• Legislation and Regulation: Pass the necessary regulations through the Maui County Council, ensuring there’s sufficient stakeholder engagement and public consultation.
   

4. Revenue Allocation

• Affordable Housing Fund: Allocate the additional revenue generated from higher water rates into an existing or newly established affordable housing fund.

• Funding Prioritization: Utilize these funds to support the development and maintenance of affordable housing projects, including new constructions, renovations, and rental assistance programs.
   

5. Encouraging Water Conservation

• Economic Incentive: Higher water rates provide a financial incentive for luxury hotels to reduce their water usage, leading to more mindful consumption.

• Implementation of Water-Saving Measures: Hotels may invest in water-saving technologies and practices, such as installing low-flow fixtures, implementing efficient irrigation systems, recycling greywater, and encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens.
   

6. Impact of Water Conservation

• Increased Water Availability: Reduced water consumption by luxury hotels will free up water resources. This increased availability can support new affordable housing developments, which also require water for construction and occupancy.

• Environmental Benefits: Less water usage helps preserve local ecosystems and reduces the environmental impact, fostering more sustainable tourism and hospitality practices.

• Community Resilience: Enhanced water availability can improve the overall resilience of the community's water infrastructure, ensuring a more reliable supply for all residents.
   

7. Challenges and Considerations

• Industry Pushback: Like with any new tax or rate increase, luxury hotels may resist these changes due to increased operational costs. It’s important to engage with them constructively and highlight the broader community benefits.

• Economic Balance: Maui County must ensure the new water rates do not disproportionately harm the tourism sector or result in job losses. A phased or gradual implementation could mitigate negative impacts.  

• Environmental Regulations: Any increases in water rates should align with environmental regulations and sustainability goals, promoting a balance between economic activity and resource conservation.
   

8. Public Engagement

• Transparency and Communication: Clearly communicate the objectives of the increased water rates to the public, emphasizing how the additional revenue will directly support affordable housing and community welfare.

• Community Involvement: Involve residents and stakeholders in decision-making processes, ensuring they have a voice in how the funds are used and appreciating their role in supporting the community’s needs.
   

Conclusion
Raising water rates on luxury hotels in Maui County can be an effective dual-purpose strategy. It generates much-needed funding for affordable housing while encouraging water conservation among some of the largest water users. This approach helps ensure a more sustainable allocation of water resources, promotes the development of affordable housing, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents. By implementing these changes thoughtfully and engaging with the community, Maui County can address pressing housing and environmental challenges in a balanced and equitable manner.