WAILUKU – Two years into the county’s legal battle with Molokai Properties over who should manage utilities set up by the now-defunct Molokai Ranch, county officials estimate that the parties have spent well over $1 million in legal fees, which could go even higher if a settlement isn’t reached before a planned October trial.
At the same time, some Molokai residents are paying four times as much as they used to for water – a painful burden for a community struggling with double-digit unemployment. And just how much those residents will have to pay in water rates long term is still awaiting final approval by the state Public Utilities Commission.
“You can’t get blood from a turnip,” said Maui County Chairman Danny Mateo, who holds the council’s Molokai seat. “People will suffer.”
But Molokai Properties attorney Jim Bickerton said the company’s proposal is for a “break even” rate in the face of rising fuel and other costs.
He said the company is proposing a rate hike in the 50-percent range, which would come on top of a rate increase last year.
Meanwhile, the county’s suit against Molokai Properties is heading toward a risky – and expensive – trial now scheduled to start Oct. 25 before 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August.
The county has already paid $500,000 for former state Attorney General Margery Bronster to serve as outside counsel, in addition to the time spent by county attorneys on the case.
When asked if the county could reach a settlement with Molokai Properties before the case goes to trial, Bronster said Saturday that she “can’t say anything more, but probably something will happen before the end of the month. It’s premature to talk now.”
