Gina Young has officially taken the helm as the first director of the East Maui Regional Water Authority, paving the way for what many hope will be a new era of environmental stewardship in the region. Young, who possesses a rich background in planning and local governance, was sworn in this Wednesday amidst a gathering of community members and policymakers. Her unanimous selection by the East Maui Regional Community Board on October 25, 2024, predates her recent inauguration, establishing a change many are eager to witness.
According to information released by
Maui County
, Young’s expertise stems from her tenure as an executive assistant to Councilmember Shane Sinenci, during which she played an instrumental role in the charter amendment creating the board. This amendment, championed by Sinenci, was passed by voters in 2022. The new board has a broad mandate, responsible for overseeing water collection and delivery systems across vast areas including Nāhiku, Keanae, Honomanū, and Huelo.
Mayor Richard Bissen lauded Young’s “unique knowledge of East Maui watershed areas and established relationships with those already working to protect its resources,” expressing confidence in the shared mission to responsibly manage the region’s water, as reported by
Maui County
. “The work to protect our water resources and the public trust continues. Today is another step to meet those goals,” Sinenci echoed in a sentiment after the official ceremony. Young’s approach has been highlighted as inclusive and collaborative, qualities that board member Francis Quitazol insists were key in her selection.
Her resume is marked with achievements and commitments to the community. Young notably served in the County Department of Planning and was recognized as Planning Department Employee of the Year in 2012, and the following year she led the Division Team of the Year. Her activist roles are impressive, having held leading positions in the Kula Community Association and the Hawaiʻi Health System Corporation Maui Region Board of Directors. Young’s academic credentials include degrees from the University of California at Santa Barbara, The George Washington University, and the College of Financial Planning in collaboration with The George Washington University.
During her swearing-in ceremony, Young stressed the importance of water as a resource that is fundamental to life and cultural continuity. “Water, wai, should be revered, not commodified, not wasted,” she proclaimed, articulating a vision for sustainability and climate resilience for the future of Maui’s watersheds. “We look ahead to make sure we have enough water and sufficient infrastructure for our future in an era of climate change,” Young elucidated, recognizing the longstanding tribulations faced by the community due to water diversion practices, as noted by
Maui County
. Her new role signifies not just a change in leadership but a potential turning point for water justice in the East Maui community.
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