The subpoenaed deputy director of water for DLNR testified for more than an hour on the ins and outs of water issues in Hawaii. 

He discussed climate change, threats to Hawaii’s watersheds, disputes over water rights, runoff, plantation water systems dating back to 1900, weather cycles, water quality issues, pesticides — everything but Hoopili. 

He said that he didn’t want to comment on the development specifically because the case could come before the state water commission. He also pointed out that he wasn’t there voluntarily. 

Maybe Sen. Clayton Hee, who called him as a witness, should have given him a talking points memo.

This is what the senator expected Tam to say.