The former Hawaii official, M. Kaleo Manuel, who was responsible for withholding water from burning homes and neighborhoods during the deadly fires in Maui County, has been linked to a left-wing definition of “equity” and the pursuit of a social justice agenda. Manuel, a former Deputy Director of the Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management and member of the Obama Foundation, delayed releasing water for at least five hours, resulting in devastating consequences for the residents of Lahaina.
The delay in water distribution led to the fires raging out of control and residents being unable to fight back. Manuel, influenced by the anti-Western and anti-American “indigenous” ideology frequently employed by the American left, is now being held accountable for the deaths of many Lahaina residents.
In a viral video of a University of Hawaii debate, Manuel expressed his politicized views on water distribution, stating, “Let water connect us and not divide us” and advocating for “true conversations about equity.” His approach to water distribution is rooted in the belief that water should be revered and not used. This belief aligns with his focus on elevating native and indigenous ways of knowing and his passion for incorporating ancient wisdom and traditional ecological knowledge in order to save the Earth.
Manuel’s affiliation with former President Barack Obama is also significant. He was named one of the Obama Foundation’s Asia Pacific Leaders in 2019 and is still listed on the group’s website. His profile highlights his position as the Deputy Director of the State of Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management and emphasizes his stone age “indigenous” approach to water distribution.
Despite Manuel’s failure in his role as Deputy Director, he has only been transferred and shielded from further scrutiny, rather than facing termination. This decision has raised questions about the accountability of officials involved and their role in the devastating fires that occurred in Lahaina.
The cause of the fires in Lahaina, a region that experienced above-average rainfall in 2023, remains a nationwide topic of discussion. Many suspect that the fires were not a natural occurrence. As the investigation continues, it becomes evident that Hawaiian officials like Manuel prioritized their interpretation of “equity” over the safety and well-being of the community.
The consequences of this decision are severe, with countless lives lost and immense destruction left in the wake of the fires. The need for accountability and a thorough examination of the decisions made by officials like Manuel is crucial to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is essential to address the impact of political ideologies on practical decision-making processes and prioritize the safety and lives of the people affected.
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