The Future of Golf in Hawaii: Water Concerns and Tournament Impacts

The Scenic Beauty of Kapalua’s Plantation Course
Nestled high in the west Maui mountains, the Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort offers golf enthusiasts stunning panoramic ocean views. This prestigious course is not just a recreational haven; it’s a historic venue that has hosted The Sentry—a $20 million PGA Tour event—annually for over 25 years. The beauty of the location is often highlighted by local experts, including Ann Miller, a veteran golf writer from Honolulu, who emphasizes the breathtaking sights “You’re looking at other islands, you’re looking at whales… Every view is beautiful.”

Challenges in Maintaining Golf’s Green Oasis
However, this green paradise is currently facing significant challenges related to water supply and climate impacts. West Maui is grappling with severe drought conditions, exacerbated by the devastating 2023 wildfire that heavily affected the historic town of Lahaina. These climatic challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the lush greenery of the Plantation Course, leading to the PGA Tour’s tough decision to cancel the season opener. The cancellation has not only affected golf fans but is projected to have a staggering economic impact of $50 million on the local community.

A Temporary Respite
After a two-month closure attributed to water scarcity, recent rain permits the reopening of 17 holes of the Plantation Course to everyday golfers who can expect to pay upwards of $469 for a round. The 18th hole is anticipated to reopen next week. Nonetheless, vital discussions surrounding the water sourcing for the course remain ongoing, further complicated by the widespread concerns about the future of golf in Hawaii amid shifting climate conditions.

Economic Ripple Effects
Concerns extend beyond the immediate impact of The Sentry’s cancellation. High-profile tournaments have historically provided significant financial resources for local charities, and any decline in these events could alter the social fabric of the region. As Ann Miller notes, “It could literally change the face of it… and it could change the popularity, obviously, too.”

The Legal Battle over Water Rights
Adding fuel to the fire, the company that owns the golf courses, along with Kapalua homeowners and Hua Momona Farms, has initiated a lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple. The suit claims that the operator of a century-old irrigation system has failed to uphold critical infrastructure repairs, thereby diminishing water supply to the course and surrounding residents. In response, Maui Land & Pineapple has countersued, leading to a back-and-forth of allegations that complicates an already intricate issue.

Community Voices on Water Resource Management
As the legal dispute unfolds, the environmental nonprofit Earthjustice is raising alarms about the use of drinking water for golf course irrigation amidst ongoing drought conditions. Native Hawaiians, who hold water as a sacred resource, have voiced their concerns regarding the ethics of diverting potable water for non-essential uses. Local farmer Lauren Palakiko passionately argued at a recent water resource management meeting that “Potable ground drinking water needs to be used for potable use… It should never be pumped, injuring our aquifer for the sake of golf grass or vacant mansion swimming pools.”

Clarifying Usage Claims and Regulations
Historically, Kapalua’s Plantation and Bay courses have relied on surface water for irrigation, supplied under an agreement with Maui Land & Pineapple. In recent months, however, reports suggest millions of gallons of potable groundwater have been utilized. Earthjustice’s attorneys are bringing these claims to light, arguing that the courses’ reliance on groundwater violates water use regulations. Meanwhile, Maui Land & Pineapple maintains its stance, claiming it does not authorize groundwater usage for golf course irrigation.

The Precious Resource Crisis
Water access is a critical issue, with Maui Land & Pineapple asserting that its two wells supply drinking water to the course—a precious resource in scarce supply. Earthjustice attorney Dru Hara emphasizes the significance of safeguarding this drinking water, stressing, “This is water that we can drink. It’s an even more precious resource within the sacred resource of wai," the Hawaiian term for water.

A Move Towards Sustainable Solutions
While ownership under TY Management Corp is actively seeking alternatives, such as incorporating recycled water into the irrigation system, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. Former commissioner Kamanamaikalani Beamer expresses concern over the allegations of improper procedures regarding water use. This emerging conflict underscores a critical need for Hawaii’s golf courses to rethink their relationship with water, advocating for a future where recycled water is the norm for irrigation practices across the islands.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Golf in Hawaii
The debates surrounding water access in Hawaii reflect broader themes of sustainability, conservation, and the balance between recreation and environmental responsibility. As legal battles ensue and climatic challenges persist, the fate of high-profile events like The Sentry—and the future of golf in Hawaii—hang in the balance. The stakes are high, not only for the sport but for the local community and its economy, making this an essential conversation for residents and golf enthusiasts alike. As Hawaii navigates these pressing issues, the direction taken could define the future landscape of both golf and broader resource management in the beautiful state of Hawaii.