Two popular swim spots regularly had bacteria levels above state standards but many more showed occasional spikes, especially places where fresh water meets the ocean.

It’s the latest fallout in ongoing tensions between Gov. Josh Green and conservation groups over who should fill the seat to represent traditional stream rights and practices.

The seat, reserved for an expert in Hawaiʻi stream rights and uses, is considered critical given the stateʻs limited water resources.

Upgrading aging infrastructure is key to agriculture’s future in Hawaii, but there are also safety concerns.

A draft permit would allow the practice to continue of injecting wastewater into the ground close to the ocean. Those who testified at a recent hearing said it’s destroying coral reefs.

The New Jersey-based utility provides services to millions of people in 14 states, including Hawaii.

Mayor Richard Bissen wants put an end to the water wars that have divided Maui for decades.

The state Board of Land and Natural Resources is considering granting a 30-year water lease in East Maui, possibly to a single large private company.

The Lahaina wildfire and staffing shortages stymied the state’s review of new and existing water users. Housing advocates worry that could help cause more families to leave Maui.

The concerns brought before the board had no substance and are an example of why the ethics body needs a full-time employee to weed through inquiries, the vice chair said.