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The Maui County Council passed Bill 161, enacting a temporary ban on new private swimming pools in West Maui until December 31, 2030, to conserve water amid housing and wildfire recovery efforts. The bill, which now goes to Mayor Richard Bissen for final approval, allows exemptions for public pools, repairs to existing pools, and pools for homes affected by the August 8, 2023, wildfires if they had pools prior.

The Director of Water Supply indicated that a typical swimming pool in Lahaina uses about 56 gallons of water daily. The ban is linked to a groundwater availability study and capacity determination by the State Commission on Water Resource Management.

Additionally, the Council approved measures for pool covers to minimize evaporation and passed Bills 168 and 3 to address housing affordability and budget increases for housing initiatives. The Council also authorized loans for wastewater facility upgrades and secured funding for cultural restoration projects.