Kapalua Resort, renowned for its stunning contrast of lush green fairways against the backdrop of the Pacific blue horizon, is grappling with severe drought conditions that have left its golf courses in disrepair. In response to Ian, the resort is temporarily closing the Plantation and Bay courses for 60 days, beginning September 2. This decision follows on the heels of increasingly worsening conditions due to lack of irrigation water. First person to confirm the suit was filed — CEO Race Randle. The aim is to protect the only existing reliable water source while the area of West Maui suffers through an unprecedented long-term drought.
Japanese billionaire Tadashi Yanai, owner of Kapalua, has filed a lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple. He has personally raised the alarm over the company’s inability to replace and repair the crumbling infrastructure needed to deliver safe water. The Honokohau Stream and Ditch System is a whopping 11 miles long. It passively provides irrigation water to the Kapalua resort. The suit vociferously supports the Kapalua homeowners and Hua Momona Farms. It continues to underscore the urgent need to repair and maintain the full state and local ditch system.
During summer months, the resort has experienced grass euthanizing all over the resort, replacing colorful rolling vistas with expanses of yellow and brown. Randle said regulatory agencies were not able to address that issue. In response, the resort chose to sue.
“Having tried and failed to get the regulatory agencies to force this irresponsible water use, the golf courses, unfortunately, turned to the courts,” – Race Randle, CEO.
The lawsuit highlights that Maui Land & Pineapple has “knowingly allowed the Ditch System to fall into a state of demonstrable disrepair,” leading to current water shortages. It claims that the deplorable conditions at Kapalua are the result of a maintenance failure. Natural drought factors not the only culprit No Climate Public Health
“Water is scarce not because rain is falling in significantly smaller quantities. Rather, water is scarce because MLP has failed to honor its promises to maintain the infrastructure used to collect, carry, and store it properly,” – [lawsuit, source: Associated Press].
Especially as conditions have continued to worsen, Kapalua Resort has done the right thing. A few months ago, they started making deep discounts to lure customers. Alex Nakajima, general manager of Kapalua Golf and Tennis, didn’t mince words when describing the situation.
“The golf course has been damaged with no water for months,” – Alex Nakajima, general manager of Kapalua Golf and Tennis.
In light of these challenges, concerns have arisen about Kapalua’s ability to host The Sentry tournament at the beginning of the PGA Tour’s 2026 season. Set to run from January 8-11, the tournament features a whopping $20 million prize pool. With both golf courses now closed, doubts must be cast over their preparedness for this highly-publicised titanic struggle.
Kapalua Resort remains zealous in its defense against legal and environmental attacks. Their highest aspiration is to return the golf courses to their previous state of frequent and bright greens. How the lawsuit plays out and how much in repairs are needed will be central to determining the course of the resort going forward. They will determine the resort’s ability to successfully host world-class sporting events that draw competitors—and spectators—from around the globe.
“We have to do this immediately. Every day the golf course is dying,” – Alex Nakajima, general manager of Kapalua Golf and Tennis.
As Kapalua Resort navigates these legal and environmental challenges, it remains focused on restoring its golf courses to their former glory. The outcome of the lawsuit and subsequent repairs will be critical in determining not only the future of the resort but also its ability to host key sporting events that draw visitors from around the world.
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