Water Scarcity on Maui – Where does it all go? Management Solutions

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Published on 11/03/2025 by Jason Schwartz

11-3-2025 – Jason’s planned guest was an expert on water, a local lady, who, unfortunately, had a horrific personal tragedy recently and did not show up! But the subject Show go on! WATER is too IMPORTANT !

Summary, Transcript, and ChatGPT answer to Jason’s water question, below…

Water Challenges and Innovative Solutions in Maui –
Insights from The Neutral Zone

Understanding Maui’s Water Crisis and Emerging Solutions

  • [00:10 → 03:20]
    In this insightful broadcast from The Neutral Zone, Maui’s longtime host Jason Schwartz addresses the pressing topic of water scarcity and water management on the island of Maui. The discussion highlights the significance of water as an essential resource facing critical challenges due to changing environmental conditions and human activity. This chapter draws from a rich archive of over 350 shows available on MauiNeutralZone.com, providing a unique, searchable repository of local knowledge and historical context. Central to this dialogue are key concepts such as atmospheric water generation, water rights, environmental sustainability, and community-driven solutions. The host’s reflections set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Maui’s water issues, their socio-economic impacts, and innovative technologies aimed at alleviating water scarcity.

  • Key Vocabulary and Concepts:

    • Water scarcity: The shortage of adequate water supply affecting Maui’s natural and human systems.
    • Atmospheric water generation (AWG): Technology that extracts water from air humidity, proposed as a potential local solution.
    • Water rights and title swaps: Historical land and water ownership arrangements impacting water distribution.
    • Environmental sustainability: Practices aimed at balancing human needs with ecological preservation.
    • Community media and public engagement: Tools leveraged to disseminate information and foster collective action.

Section 1: Maui’s Water Landscape – Past and Present Realities

  • [03:20 → 06:14]
    Jason begins by recounting his personal experiences since arriving in Maui in 1988, emphasizing how the island’s water landscape has changed dramatically. He recalls the green, water-rich dunes near Ma’alaea and Kihei, now dry and transforming into arid land with new vegetation taking hold. This shift is symptomatic of broader drought conditions and altered weather patterns that have intensified water scarcity. This dryness directly affects not only natural ecosystems but also urban planning and development, especially the expansion in Kihei, which relies on water sourced from neighboring areas like Wailuku and Kalui. The host laments that despite longstanding awareness of these challenges, comprehensive plans to address water availability have lagged, leading to recurring crises.

  • Bullet Points:

    • Water-rich dunes in Kihei now mostly dry, signaling environmental stress.
    • Development pressures in Kihei linked to water sourced from Wailuku and Kalui areas.
    • Longstanding water issues remain inadequately addressed despite decades of discussion.
    • Environmental conditions are shifting, with droughts impacting ecosystems and urban areas.

Section 2: Historical and Legal Complexities of Water Management

  • [06:14 → 10:07]
    The program delves into the complexities of water management on Maui, touching on title swaps that have altered land use and water flow. Jason shares an anecdote involving a “swamp swap”—a land exchange that rerouted water and contributed to current problems. This situation recalls infamous water conflicts like those depicted in the film Chinatown, underscoring how water rights can be contentious and opaque. The host also highlights the challenges of navigating misinformation and political interests, which hinder transparent understanding and meaningful reform. He expresses skepticism about political narratives, recognizing the role of “fake news” and the difficulty in getting to the underlying truths about water distribution and priorities.

  • Bullet Points:

    • Title swaps have redirected water flow, complicating resource management.
    • Water conflicts have historical parallels, suggesting longstanding systemic issues.
    • Political and media narratives obscure true water challenges.
    • Transparency and accountability are needed to address water inequities.

Section 3: Social and Economic Dimensions of Water Use

  • [10:07 → 12:08]
    Jason discusses the disparities in water usage across Maui’s communities. He points out that hotels and wealthy residents often get priority access to water resources, sometimes paying premium rates to maintain lush landscapes, while others face restrictions and penalties for water use. For example, in upcountry Maui, washing a car can incur a $500 fine, yet in Kihei, people wash cars frequently without restrictions. This disparity highlights social inequalities and the lack of consistent enforcement. The host stresses the importance of community-wide responsibility given the island’s limited water supply, warning that the water problem is an immediate concern rather than a distant threat.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Hotels and affluent households often prioritized in water allocation.
    • Disparities in enforcement of water restrictions across regions.
    • Community awareness and responsible water use are critical.
    • Water scarcity is an urgent, present-day challenge.

Section 4: Atmospheric Water Generation – A Technological Opportunity

  • [12:08 → 16:56]
    A promising technological solution covered in the show is atmospheric water generation (AWG), which extracts potable water from air humidity. Jason recounts consulting AI, specifically ChatGPT, and interviews with experts like Dr. Steve Blake, who confirmed Maui’s climate is suitable for AWG due to its moderate humidity. The host references Tsunami Products, a local company that has developed and tested such systems for agricultural and small-scale residential use. Cost analyses suggest that investing in AWG devices, priced under $10,000 for home use, could break even or yield savings compared to bottled water expenses. However, Jason urges caution and further expert consultation before fully endorsing the technology for all water needs, such as showers.
  • Bullet Points:
    • AWG harnesses humidity to generate clean water, suitable for Maui’s climate.
    • Local companies like Tsunami Products pioneer this technology.
    • Initial costs under $10,000, with potential to save ~$1,000/year compared to bottled water.
    • Technology promising but requires careful assessment for broader domestic use.

Section 5: Community Engagement, Real Estate, and Philanthropy

  • [17:15 → 26:06]
    The host shares how his real estate work ties into broader community goals. Through his company, Maui Coast Property, he channels commissions into the Dream Makers Foundation, which supports art, music, and environmental projects, including water initiatives. Jason emphasizes the role of philanthropy and community cooperation in driving meaningful change, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes giving back consistently rather than only when convenient. He also reflects on the importance of creating local jobs in technology and sustainable industries to help mitigate the high cost of living and housing shortages on Maui. This approach embodies a self-sustaining community model, blending environmental stewardship with economic opportunity.
  • Bullet Points:
    • Real estate commissions fund community arts and environmental projects via Dream Makers Foundation.
    • Philanthropic mindset essential for sustained social and environmental progress.
    • Goal to create tech jobs and affordable housing solutions on Maui.
    • Emphasis on local collaboration and shared responsibility.

Section 6: The Urgency of Legislative and Policy Innovation

  • [26:06 → 30:34]
    Jason advocates for policy incentives to accelerate adoption of sustainable water technologies, such as tax credits or favorable loan terms for AWG installation. He envisions integrating these technologies into building codes and mortgage financing to make them affordable and standard practice. This call to action recognizes the current political and economic uncertainties but stresses that community-level initiatives can create resilience. The host also reflects on the island’s capacity to be a model for green innovation, combining solar power, hydrogen technologies, and water-from-air systems to achieve energy and water independence.
  • Bullet Points:
    • Proposal for tax credits and loan incentives to promote AWG adoption.
    • Suggests integrating water-saving technologies into housing finance and regulations.
    • Maui positioned to lead in green tech innovation and self-sufficiency.
    • Local actions essential amid broader national and global instability.

Section 7: Historical Context and Long-Term Vision

  • [30:34 → 43:57]
    Reflecting on decades of experience, Jason recounts early conversations with energy pioneers and recalls the slow progress of solar and sustainable energy adoption. He expresses optimism that current technological advances and community mobilization can finally realize the long-held dream of an environmentally and economically sustainable Maui. The narrative acknowledges global challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and political instability, but insists that, on Maui, with cooperation and innovation, a “rising tide” can lift all boats. The host’s vision is one of peace, prosperity, and inclusion, rejecting prejudice and emphasizing shared humanity.
  • Bullet Points:
    • Early efforts in solar energy laid groundwork for today’s sustainability conversations.
    • Maui has unique potential to achieve environmental, social, and economic harmony.
    • Emphasis on inclusivity, peace, and community solidarity.
    • Long-term vision anchored in practical innovation and cultural values.

Section 8: Cultural and Community Enrichment Through Media and Art

  • [43:57 → 47:37]
    The show also underscores the importance of cultural expression and community media in fostering connection and resilience. Jason highlights the role of public access television, local music, and art programs supported by the Dream Makers Foundation. These initiatives provide platforms for free speech, education, and celebration of Maui’s unique heritage. By integrating environmental action with cultural vitality, the community strengthens its identity and collective will to face challenges such as water scarcity.

  • Bullet Points:
    • Public access TV and arts programs promote community engagement.
    • Cultural expression linked to environmental and social activism.
    • Dream Makers Foundation supports sustainable development and creative outlets.
    • Media as a tool for education, connection, and empowerment.

Conclusion: Toward a Sustainable, Resilient Maui

  • [47:37 → 56:00]
    Jason Schwartz’s discourse on water in Maui concludes with an urgent yet hopeful message: the island faces unprecedented water challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities through emerging technologies like atmospheric water generation and community-driven innovation. He calls for collective responsibility, policy support, and philanthropic engagement to realize a self-sustaining future. Through detailed archival resources, ongoing dialogue, and practical action, Maui can become a model of environmental resilience and social cooperation. The chapter closes inviting readers and listeners to explore the MauiNeutralZone.com platform, engage with local initiatives, and contribute to building a thriving, water-secure community.
  • Final Takeaways:
    • Water scarcity in Maui is a pressing, immediate issue requiring multifaceted solutions.
    • Atmospheric water generation offers a promising, climate-appropriate technology.
    • Policy incentives and community philanthropy are critical to scaling sustainable practices.
    • Integration of environmental, economic, and cultural efforts can foster a resilient island future.
    • Active participation and awareness empower individuals to contribute meaningfully.

This chapter encapsulates the nuanced challenges and hopeful innovations surrounding Maui’s water future as articulated by Jason Schwartz on The Neutral Zone. It serves as both a call to action and a resource for understanding how technology, community, and policy intersect to address one of the island’s most vital concerns.

AI Note
  • [00:10 → 08:32] Introduction and Context on Water Issues in Maui

Jason Schwartz, host of The Neutral Zone on Maui (MauiNeutralZone.com), introduces the show and highlights the extensive archive of over 350 episodes available online with transcripts and summaries, providing a unique searchable resource for local topics like affordable housing, roads, and water. The show is simulcast on KAKU 88.5 FM (the voice of Maui) and Maui Community Media (Akaku), including availability via Maui Stream app and YouTube.

Jason planned to have a guest, a young woman with a personal and tragic family situation, but respects her privacy and postpones her appearance. Instead, he focuses on discussing water issues in Maui—notably the current extreme drought conditions, especially in areas like Ma’alaya Kihei, where once water-rich dunes are now dry and vegetation patterns have changed.

Reflecting on his arrival in 1988, Jason recalls how the landscape and water availability have shifted dramatically over the decades. He notes the basin between Motlai and Kihei, a natural pooling area for water, is now dry, with plants growing in former wet zones—a sign of altered hydrology. He mentions that despite these visible changes, water availability and management remain complex and inadequately addressed issues in Maui.

He emphasizes how historical water management and development decisions—such as land swaps that altered water flow—have contributed to current problems. He references a past real estate training experience involving a “title swap” that effectively rerouted water and created long-term challenges, underscoring the impact of planning decisions on water infrastructure.

Jason acknowledges the complexity and political sensitivities around water, comparing Maui’s situation to the infamous water conflicts depicted in the movie Chinatown. He also highlights the priority given to hotels and wealthy property owners for water access, often at the expense of equitable distribution. He contrasts this with local water use restrictions in some areas (e.g., a $500 fine for washing cars upcountry) versus lax enforcement or absence of restrictions elsewhere.

  • [08:32 → 16:56] Exploring Atmospheric Water Generation and AI Analysis

Jason shares his exploration of atmospheric water generation (AWG) technology—systems that extract water from the air—using AI tools like ChatGPT for research. He notes:

  • AWG works best in climates with some humidity, which Maui has.
  • Dr. Steve Blake, a water expert, confirmed that extracting water from air is feasible and practical.
  • Technologies like those from Tsunami Products, once involved in growing seeds with atmospheric water, demonstrate the potential for agriculture and livestock support.
  • The cost of AWG systems for homes or small apartment buildings can be under $10,000, with payback possible if replacing bottled water use, potentially saving roughly $1,000 annually.
  • Using AWG could encourage responsible water use, reducing wasteful habits such as excessive car washing or multiple daily showers.
  • Jason refrains from making definitive claims but encourages inquiry and adoption, noting AI as a powerful research tool to evaluate water technologies and efficiencies.

He advocates for government incentives, such as tax credits or low-interest loans, to promote AWG adoption, which could be integrated into long-term home financing. This approach aligns with Maui’s goal of self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability.

  • [16:56 → 28:34] Community Initiatives and Economic Models for Sustainability

Jason discusses his involvement in the community through Dream Makers Foundationand related non-profit efforts, funded in part by real estate commissions. Key points:

  • 60% of referral fees from his real estate business go toward funding arts, music, environmental solutions, and technology development on Maui.
  • The vision is to foster a collaborative community model combining economic opportunity with social and environmental responsibility.
  • He envisions Maui as a hub for emerging technologies like hydrogen energy, HHO plasma, and advanced medical solutions, creating local jobs and reducing dependence on external resources.
  • He highlights the potential for equity-sharing programs to help locals access housing amid rising property prices.
  • The foundation supports cultural events and public access television as platforms for free speech and community engagement.
  • Jason reflects on decades of discussions with local leaders and experts about energy and water, emphasizing the continuity and urgency of addressing these issues.

He stresses that Maui has the resources and talent to become a self-sustaining island community, showcasing solutions for the world and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

  • [28:34 → 44:42] Reflections on Environmental and Social Challenges

Jason elaborates on environmental challenges:

  • The current drought is severe, with trees dying and vegetation stressed.
  • Despite this, some crops and plants like chiave thrive in dry conditions.
  • He advocates for proactive water strategies, including AWG and green waste conversion to power desalination.
  • He draws historical parallels, noting how abundance and scarcity cycle over time, urging preparation rather than complacency.

Social and economic reflections include:

  • The disparity between rising housing costs and stagnant wages, especially for artists and musicians.
  • The importance of reinvesting economic gains back into the community to promote equitable growth.
  • A plea for kindness, peace, and cooperation, rejecting prejudice and divisive politics.
  • Encouragement to adopt a “philanthropic attitude”, where individuals contribute time, energy, and resources to improve society.
  • Recognition that people on Maui share a common fate and that collective action is critical.

Jason closes this segment by reiterating his hope that legislative and community support for AWG and other technologies will help Maui avoid water crises and foster resilience.

  • [44:42 → 56:00] Concluding Remarks and Call to Action

Jason promises to share the detailed AI-generated research on AWG on the show notes and encourages viewers and listeners to explore it. He envisions:

  • Incorporation of AWG into local legislation.
  • Development of local manufacturing and supply chains for water-from-air technologies.
  • Positioning Maui as a leader in environmental innovation and sustainable living.

He invites community involvement through donations, sponsorships, and participation in Dream Makers Foundation and the Maui Arts and Music Association, emphasizing transparency and free access to information.

He highlights the value of public access media as a platform for diverse voices and the role of the foundation in supporting this.

Jason also shares personal anecdotes about his long history on Maui, his commitment to localism, and his efforts to balance economic activity with cultural and environmental stewardship.

Finally, he closes with a message of hope, unity, and encouragement for collective action, urging everyone to engage with MauiNeutralZone.com for more resources and shows.

  • [56:00 → 56:56] Additional Information and Contact

He reminds listeners that the show is available live and on demand via KAKU 88.5 FM, Akaku Maui Community Media, the Maui Stream app, YouTube, and mauineutralzone.com with full transcripts and summaries.

He encourages participation, guest appearances, and community collaboration.

Jason plays and references several local music pieces, including a song recorded at Maui Community College’s studio, highlighting local talents and the importance of arts in community building.

He closes the show with a hopeful song titled “Unlock the Hope” by Lono, underscoring the key theme of optimism and collective responsibility.

Summary Table: Key Topics Covered

Timestamp Range Topic Key Points
00:10 – 08:32 Maui Water Issues Introduction Drought conditions, historical water changes, land swaps affecting water flow, social disparities
08:32 – 16:56 Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) & AI AWG tech feasibility, cost-benefit, AI research support, government incentives suggested
16:56 – 28:34 Community Initiatives & Economic Models Dream Makers Foundation, real estate funding, job creation, equity sharing, cultural support
28:34 – 44:42 Environmental & Social Reflections Drought severity, green energy, social inequity, philanthropy, peace, community cooperation
44:42 – 56:00 Conclusion & Call to Action Future of AWG in legislation, local manufacturing, community involvement, free access info
56:00 – 58:00 Show Accessibility & Musical Closing Platforms for show, guest invitations, local music spotlight, message of hope

Key Insights

  • Maui is experiencing one of its driest periods in decades, severely impacting natural water basins and vegetation.
  • Historical land use and development decisions have contributed to current water management challenges.
  • Atmospheric water generation is a promising technology for Maui’s climate, offering potential cost savings and sustainability benefits.
  • Community-driven economic models, including reinvesting real estate commissions into arts, technology, and environmental solutions, aim to build local resilience.
  • Legislative support, such as tax incentives for water-from-air systems, could accelerate adoption and sustainability.
  • A philanthropic and cooperative community attitude is vital for addressing Maui’s environmental and social challenges.
  • Public access media and transparent information sharing empower community engagement and education.

Definitions and Concepts

Term Definition/Explanation
Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) Technology that extracts water from humidity in the air, producing potable water.
Title Swap A land transaction exchanging parcels, which in Maui’s case affected water flow and land usability.
Dream Makers Foundation Non-profit organization funding arts, music, environmental projects, and technology initiatives.
Maui Neutral Zone Jason’s multimedia platform providing shows, transcripts, and summaries on Maui’s local issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the current water situation in Maui?
A: Maui is experiencing severe drought, with historically wet areas now dry, causing ecological and social concern.

Q: Can water be generated from the air here?
A: Yes, atmospheric water generation is feasible given Maui’s humidity and can supplement existing water sources.

Q: How expensive are AWG systems?
A: Home-scale systems can cost under $10,000, with paybacks possible if replacing bottled water use.

Q: What community efforts support water and environmental sustainability?
A: The Dream Makers Foundation, funded partly by real estate commissions, supports technology, arts, culture, and environmental solutions.

Q: How can individuals get involved?
A: By donating, sponsoring, volunteering, or participating in shows and community initiatives listed on MauiNeutralZone.com.

Transcript

00:10
Wow. Hello, everyone. My name is Jason Schwartz. I’m the host here at The Neutral Zone, Maui, neutralzone.com. There at that website, there’s a search engine. It has the shows that we have up there. We got more than 350 of them. More coming.
00:39
All the transcripts of the shows and summaries of the shows are up there, which is really an awesome tool and beautiful. You can go and say, is Mark Beltzman on the show ever?
00:54
Every time you say Mark Beltzman, his name goes into when the search engine catches it. And they say, oh, yes, we spoke about him here and there. And he was on the show then and then. And he spoke about this and this. Isn’t that awesome? So imagine that with ideas like affordable housing, roads, water, water.
01:22
Ice cream on the bus in Kihei. All those words. Anyway, you can imagine. It’s an interesting tool to put things together in perspective on what I’ve been talking. This has been 30 years of this stuff. The neutral zone itself has been since June of 2018. So MauiNeutralZone.com.
01:46
Our host is KAKU 88.5 FM, the voice of Maui. We are simulcast on Akaku, Maui Community. I call it Maui Community TV, but it’s Maui Community Media. Because in this time, there’s even a Maui stream app, which has Akaku, a.k.a. KU, on their three channels.
02:11
Broadcast stations. Broadcast, I said. Maui Community Broadcast. I still say TV. Anyway, three different stations. And then the radio station is up there. But we are also found by, the videos live on YouTube. And these subjects live because of the people that are here as guests. My guest today is a young lady.
02:41
When I thought, who do I want to have on the show? I blocked it off after she said yes. But I knew that she had a situation happen in her family.
02:53
that is horrible and personal. And so I didn’t know what was going on. I gave her a text message and reminder, but she is busy. I hope to have her again soon. I’m letting her privacy be, but I’m not going to put the issue down. I’m going to talk about water today. I guess I’m talking about it my way. Let me put these down. I don’t need these.

 

03:20
I may play some water. Some water. I may have water songs. Come on the sloop, Joan B. Grandpappy and me. Remember those days?
03:35
Yeah, the Beach Boys. The Beach Boys, whenever I sit with someone and we’re doing, you know, we have to read the lyrics to these songs and sing-alongs. But you pick a song like, Round, round, get around, I get around. And we’ll have fun, fun, fun till you’re done. The Beach Boys were always great for sing-alongs. So you can do a whole bunch of sing-alongs. Just remember that.

 

04:02
Anyway, that’s water, kind of. And the quality of water around Maui, my guest was going to be giving us an analysis of what’s going on on the beaches and how things are going. Anyone that’s coming here, whether they’re visiting or whether they live here, have seen that this is one of the driest times ever.
04:26
We’ve seen. I looked at the Ma’alaya Kihei area. They’ve got those dunes there. That was water. And it became water. And they built a whole wooden thing so the people wouldn’t walk there and leave it as a nature preserve. And it was all green. And it was all water. And now it’s virtually dry. When I got here in 1988, I bought a car.

 

04:56
An old Maui cruiser. Could have been any car. But I didn’t know the island. You know, I was going out and around and there was no fence in that road. And so I drove out there toward the dunes and parked. It all looked fine. Until I had to leave.
05:13
And my car was stuck and I ended up getting towed out. And that was just an event like, wow, I really have to be aware. But over the years, I’ve seen water there mostly. And I thought the days of that being a dry dune, especially when we talk about rising water. What the heck is that? This is the lowlands. That was the area that was left empty.

 

05:40
Right? That’s the basin between Motlai and Kihei, where if water’s coming down the hill, it kind of pools. Where does it pool? Well, at least in that area, it all pools right there. So when that’s dry, and when now the dry side, the road land side, it’s not mountain there, but not the water side,
06:05
is dry and things are growing like plants, like what the heck is happening? So you’d think that we’d have enough water. Well,
06:14
I’m not an expert, so I’ll let everyone speak that are experts, but sure is clear. I remember when they were talking about the available water that we were using in Wailuku and the town in Kalui, and that all the building in Kihei would have to deal with the water coming from that area, and we know that
06:36
the Maui Tropical Plantation used to have an ownership and water was right there. Avery Chumley, put his name in, see if he comes up and talk about water, talk about whatever you want to talk about and see if we spoke about it or if you don’t see it in the search engine, find it. I’d be, you know, it depends what words you use, I guess. Well, that’ll be fun to explore and to realize how long we’ve had these issues.

 

07:06
and how we should have had people addressing them before now. Or as I like to think, when there’s a fire in the front yard, you don’t remember to do these other things. You might remember, but you’re dealing with a fire. We put out a lot of fires around here, literally and figuratively.
07:26
Because the things that have happened by having two-year cycles where it seems we’re up to our eyes with issues that should have been addressed in a big and different way a long time ago. 30 years ago, when I came here, I came here more than 30 years ago. Got here in 88, 1988.
07:50
But the story of what’s then is not the story of today. Because today I’m going to talk about water and now and what I think. First of all, I’m so sorry. Privacy being my guest, you may see it in the news, God forbid. Anyway, I honor her and…
08:17
Her family member that is no longer with us. And the whole thing is crazy. Crime is for a different day. Water.
08:32
I don’t really think I can talk about water on the land and where it’s coming from responsibly. There’s all kinds of plans and people talking about it and rerouting things so things flow better. And, you know, I remember a story when I was training in real estate in Maui through Keller Williams. There was a nice lady named Nancy. I’ll leave her last name gone. But Nancy…

 

09:01
was really good researcher. She had been involved with the police in big cases way back with big cases. Ted Bundy and the whole thing and the police there. She was a dispatcher. But here in Maui, we were learning about titles and things going on and we found there was a title swap. Title swap. Now, I don’t know how that goes, but the swap turned the swamp swap

 

09:32
land, Hawaiian land for
09:38
for a buildable, seemingly buildable piece of land. What that did was it rerouted the water, the way the building happened, where it made a turn. And that turn is created in many years after that, obviously. Problems now, and one wonders what kind of planning there was. But this situation has gone on about things aren’t always what they seem.

 

10:07
Trust me when I tell you I don’t like or trust Donald Trump, no matter who’s reporting, but I understand that thing about fake news. In this time of AI, in this time of everything else, but no one gets below the surface because someone doesn’t want it to happen, doesn’t want you to get below the surface.
10:34
Water is one of them, and from way back, just like the movie Chinatown in Los Angeles. There are stories, and that’s beyond my understanding, and I stay out of those weeds. It’s not for me to be there. But water, what are we going to do about water? Are the hotels going to get the water? They’re the priority, even because they can pay, because they need water to maintain their landscape. They’re probably paying a…

 

11:02
a healthy or unhealthy rate right now. What about people that are wealthy, and also they’re going to pay to keep their areas green, and many of them have done what all of us have done, been very sparingly using water to try to keep things going and alive. We have this district deal, upcountry, you wash your car, $500 penalty, fine.

 

11:30
You do it in Kihei, you see people doing, washing their cars two times, three times, four times a week, hour at a time. What is that? And when you mention it to them,
11:43
They’re like, what? We don’t have any restrictions. People in Kalalui told me, you know, we don’t have any water restrictions. But you know what? We all should be aware we have a water problem. And if it’s not today, it’s tomorrow. If it’s not, what am I saying? It is today. You probably know in the past I talked about water. I talked about

 

12:08
Water a lot. I talked about Ted Bowman was on our show from Tsunami Products. He’s no longer there, but I still have a relationship with Tsunami Products. I took my trusty AI companion, ChatGPT, and I knew I was coming on here, right? So I decided to see what they had to say.
12:35
And boy, what an experience that was. I’m going to leave it for the moment, chats. It’ll load. I said, hey, you know, right now water is a big issue. And what about if I wanted to get water from the air and I want to see the different ways to do it. I want to see the number of companies on a small scale for…
13:03
homes or small complexes or 20 unit apartment buildings or you know and then I left it at that and I let it go and then I said well do a special analysis on Tsunami products you know because I know them as a company and their integrity and I guess now also one of them with longevity so that’s what I have here and I’m
13:31
I’m not going to read it here because I’m going to put I think I’m going to put it up on the notes on this show. So you’ll see what it says. But bottom line is water from air generators work better and get more.
13:49
in climates that have some humidity we have some humidity and water around so we have we have that we in fact have an excellent climate for water from air a water expert yesterday dr steve blake said to me that’s not a big deal getting water from the air and we talked about who told me that and
14:14
And I said, I get doctor water. I hope to get a few bottles free. Well, we get them water that’s processed. Steve Blake built the system, checked out the system. So that’s a good one. So what’s the difference in water? Should we drink tap water? Again, I’m not even talking about that today. What about water from the air? Can’t build a pool unless you put your own water there.

 

14:44
That’s the rule I want. Well, that sounds pretty difficult. Yeah, well, we know that if you have a house with a pool, your values just went way up because no one can right now build a pool because of the way the law is there. Well, all these things, what about taking it from the air? So what did I discover? You can look to find in detail, but bottom line is payback here…

 

15:12
If you use bottled water instead of city water for your things, its payback is, it breaks even and makes you about $1,000 a year right now. Wow.
15:26
If it’s just municipal water and you don’t do bottled water, obviously it’s negative. That’s a year. Well, what if you were in just a regular client? How much do these things cost? A lot of money? You have to sell it. Wait a minute. How much is a new car? How much is a used car? What if for less than $10,000, in fact, some way less, but for less than $10,000, to get one that would accommodate a home, and again…

 

15:57
One needs to remember that if we’re in a time of awareness about water, we don’t take five showers a day. We’re not taking and washing our car 83 times a week. In other words, we’re being responsible across the board. And we’re realizing we’re creating our own water. That means we do things sensibly.
16:19
I may be even pushing it when I say you have to be careful. I think you always should be careful and aware about water. But if you can get water from the air and you can do it
16:34
For no more than if you were buying bottled water and using clean water. I just don’t know about showers and things like that. So that’s the reason I’m not declaring any. Maybe you will ask AI or ask experts. It’s trippy to see the way that AI technology works.
16:56
is really a great tool if used for that. Yes, it stops me from having to go hire somebody and do a giant study. They can do a giant study and find out what is true and what is not true and compare. And
17:15
The tools to be able to… When I ask it and it shows me based on efficiencies, it gives me a whole laundry list of different criteria that it used to tell me that this thing makes sense. Water from air. What if you’re buying a house? Do you think you could get…
17:35
Again, if you’re dealing with us, Maui Coast Property, what the heck? They’re a generous donor. How do I say it? They underwrite our shows at this point. Them and others, but Maui Coast Property, main donor. What is that? Well, that’s me. What is that? I’m a realtor. I’ve been a realtor 47 years. That’s a long time. But…
18:02
I only do work with clients directly when they demand it, and I’m happy to do it. Obviously, more money coming in directly, but I like to refer business to others in the community that are experts in the community, different areas, different brokers, different people. The referral fees that we get, 60%,
18:25
go to funding or non-profit activities, putting on music shows and art shows and helping supplement so we can have more art and music in restaurants and hotels. Wait a minute. Hotels are also part of our sponsorship base. At this point, the things that we do outside of the confines of this show
18:51
pretty well in the Dream Makers Foundation, funded by monies that I contribute, that anyone else contributes as individuals, or that underwriters and sponsors at different levels contribute in kind, in barter, or in cash, whatever the situations will demand. What are we trying to do? We’re trying to change the world. We’re trying to show that a level of cooperation…

 

19:18
can make a difference. Where’s the biggest commissions and earnings on this island and potential? Real estate commission. So referrals from real estate to all the people here that can help more directly. And again, and me, create money to supplement the development of important technologies and implement them here and create real jobs. Jobs in technology, maybe in

 

19:45
assembling and developing different equipment for hydrogen and HHO plasma and create a whole medical industry here that allows us to continue in a less than easy state for local people because
20:03
Houses are so expensive. Well, we can suddenly find that we can create supplemental monies. What does that mean? Equity sharing programs to be able to help get people into homes if they want to own a home or help things that bring people back to Maui and help the tourism industry because Maui is pulling itself up.

 

20:28
I hope that what I do triggers others to be doing these same things. And they can do it through us and with us. Because Dream Makers Foundation, Maui Arts and Music Association, people aligned in positive action, is the main focus of what I do.
20:48
because I was talking about environmental solutions, about water for, you know, 10, 15 years. Talking about, when I talked to the president of the electric company, Tom, I don’t know if you’re still here on Maui, Tom Giussani was president of Maui Electric. And in 1995, Ariel and I
21:11
and went to the cultural center and interviewed Tom on the patio there that’s no longer just the patio funny that anyway and we talked about energy we talked right after that Chris Menzel was talking with Tom Giussarne about doing solar at the time all these ideas that were cutting-edge and we had great discussions
21:38
Well, now with this website, you can tie those discussions with things that have happened over the years, not only from the brain of AI, if you want, and plug it in and even direct them to these shows and articles. But you can see how we’ve been talking about these same issues constantly.
21:58
I did interviews for 15, 16 election cycles. That’s 30 years and more. When you hear the words from the people that were in politics and in our government, and then you see what’s happening now and you compare it and contrast it, we come upon a very interesting story.
22:21
One that those that look will find we have opportunity now to do things. We can go right or we can go left. I like to say you can go right or you can go wrong. Now is the time to take the elements that I have been talking about all these years and work with them together and create it.
22:44
It’s really, there is no alternative. I was going to say an alternative economy. We can be self-sustaining, and water is one of them. So I want to incorporate into the ideas of everyone out there, especially if you’re here in Hawaii, what about a tax credit for water, atmospheric water generation?
23:07
You know, we’re in a funny time. Maybe Trump would say, oh, no, no, no. Well, maybe a state tax credit. Whoever deals with water will realize what if we can have people generating their own water? What about giving an incentive a quarter? I don’t know even how many.
23:25
pouring to quarter point a half point in a loan rate or different kind of pricing to be able to give incentives to put it in when you have a 30 year mortgage going on when the cost per month makes sense when you amortize it over time and retrofit start having people having atmospheric water generation and I don’t think that’s in any way ridiculous or overstated

 

23:55
In fact, I think, what do they say? You should have known about Nvidia when it was this. Some people did and said, ah, some people didn’t have the money but saw it. But now Nvidia is this. What’s Nvidia?
24:11
AI chip. All kinds of things they are, but it’s made a lot of people a lot of money, just like people that jumped into an Amazon or an Apple or all these blue chips of the stock market, you know. It’s interesting because now there’s the rich and those that did see and have all that and those that didn’t have or didn’t see. It doesn’t matter, almost.

 

24:40
Yeah, a lot of people that have money may have an attitude that is philanthropic when it’s convenient. Is it convenient? I think it’s always convenient to give if you have the right mindset. You know, to me, fundraising and philanthropy…
25:10
are interesting. I heard a gentleman yesterday talking up at Unity Church. He was given the main speech, actually. And when he was advertising for it, he called it fundraising. But there, when we were sitting and he was showing it, he called it the philanthropy attitude, you know, the philanthropic attitude. It’s a matter of what do you and how can you contribute

 

25:38
to the society we’re in to make it better. Well, some people have had that bug going on and I never really analyzed it, but that is what’s up with me. I just really see that putting money into things and programs that you believe in and you also put your time in and your energy are what are going to make the difference in our world now.

 

26:06
and in the future. And politics, I don’t want to put politics aside. I want to put violence aside. I want to build the notions and attitude of the neutral zone. I have never had an experience of speaking to someone here where we didn’t come to understand that we are
26:31
Together, we’re on this same boat. And here on an island, we understand that when there’s any problems in the economy somewhere, we feel the effects, right? Anyway, water from air. There’s water we can redirect from water. But we don’t know in our world why.
26:53
What’s happening with weather patterns? I have never seen dry like I’m seeing now. When I travel and I look around and I see chiave trees and then I see brown everything else, I see trees dying. I see there needs to be water. And we know the plants that are getting water from the east, that are Mahipono, growing all the produce. All that green,

 

27:23
is good. We’re away from sugarcane. That’s good. If that had been barren land, it would have been blown and horrible and be like desert, like Death Valley. Not quite as bad, right? But wait a minute. So the chiave tree grew because it was dry and because they could operate in dry conditions and they could… So what’s happening now?

 

27:51
We’re having dry. The world isn’t dry. Will it be wet again? Maybe it will be. Does it make any sense to move forward now on water from air and doing all these things I just said?
28:05
Yeah, because the situation is now. Is water someday going to be cheap? We don’t care because we’re living here. Selfishness aside, how do you contribute to your society? We’re going to be creating programs where you can enjoy art, music, culture, buy things, and have money supplemented development of important technologies to be able to make our community a leader.

 

28:34
taking green waste, turning it into power. All that green is storage for power. What if we could use that power and desalinate water? What if we could create solar panels to run these systems that create water? You see, we are technologically… Things are technologically advanced to the point where we can do…
29:04
The things that only seemed like miracles 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 50 years ago, 100 years ago. You think if you were standing in 1925 and you were standing and you were thinking…
29:26
Things are great. These are the roaring 20s. We have abundance. We’re never going to run out of abundance. And then you see what happens. We don’t even talk about the reasons, but we watch history. It goes up and down, dry, wet.
29:44
Problem here, problem there, war here, war here. But if we’re on an island and we want to make sure that we live and the people around us are living, we do things like put in massive, and they make sense now because the world is so out of control. Isn’t that horrible? Your water rates aren’t going to suddenly take a plunge. So these are things that you can really base your calculations of life on.

 

30:14
What happens if everyone suddenly doesn’t have money? Well, we’re building things in to the system that we’re creating here on this island. We, by the way, means me and those that are supporting these ideas. We have all the resources to be able to be self-sufficient.
30:34
We’re able to invite tourism here, and people can come from all over the world to see what we the people do. Some guy who takes his real estate commissions and encourages others to put these monies toward development of systems. Remember, I talked about hydrogen and HHO to improve health. Over-the-horizon medicine, looking ahead in the future, being able to take…

 

31:01
the technologies that are here now and implement them while we can be… Right? The Kleenex of the tissue industry. The Xerox of the copier industry. What does that mean? That means first market advantage. We stand to be a place that can support itself because its people…
31:31
put back in. I’m not accumulating for some future generation of mine. My future generations, which, by the way, are only the people around me. I don’t have any children. Well, if you had children…
31:45
The children of the world. I am very comfortable in saying there are enough children that I know I can need and love and share with, you know, that I don’t have to create them. But I just happen to be that way. So what about all the people that want their children and grandchildren?
32:06
It’s now is the time to do the things to save our country, save our technology and development of solutions, save the idea that we don’t always need a helping hand. Someone said to me, that sounds Republican. Take any labels off of it. If we can do things by ourselves, great. I won’t cut out. I won’t. I’m not running, by the way.

 

32:36
Why would someone cut out food stamps? You hear a story that says that money has been specially allocated for a bunch of years already and this is all fabricated, taken, the words were taken out of the website. Even if that’s not true, that in fact there is no money now because the government is shut down right now.
32:57
to not have supplemental programs and to not be talking about it before we suddenly have a deadline and people are without food. And then the president comes on. Today, the news story is the president, they will allow half of the food stamp amount. What is that? What kind of people are these? Let me say that slower.

 

33:24
Who is running your government, your life? I don’t know how much control, if you call it that, we can have over systems outside of here. But what’s here on Maui and in Hawaii, we do have. We have the choice, and we can make good choices. My guest…
33:48
Bless her soul. Had to make a good choice and not come here today. But this subject is not worth putting on a shelf for later. It’s a now subject. Water. And we’re going to have…
34:03
my guest coming another day and we’re going to talk about water on the land that i don’t think she’s really maybe she is maybe she’s aware of the water from air the atmospheric water generation tsunami products had a thing here they were growing seeds and showing how to take water from the air to be able to grow food to be able to get do for production for

 

34:29
For produce and wild animals and livestock. And to be able… These technologies exist. Why are they not here? Why are they only being demonstrated and shelved? Money. But… We’re going to change that. Right? I hope that you can become a donor and a sponsor. I don’t really like to use the word sponsor. But…
34:58
Dream Maui is a non-profit. And this show, we are on here, but we are not from here. And we hope we do things within the line of the law. Like when I hear David Pakman show, which is just before I come on air here. Wow, since 2018. David Pakman is constantly plugging for you to join his group and get these and get the bonus show. What we show up there on our website…

 

35:27
we’re not charging for. Some people, oh, have you ever, we use Kajabi. Kajabi is a program so you can set up a hierarchy and maybe have someone go through a doorway to be able to pay to have availability of different things. We employ that in different ways, or will, if it’s appropriate, but not with information. Our information is flowing freely. I’m so thankful that I discovered

 

35:57
people that have believed in me. I didn’t realize that there are people, thank you out there, who’ve been watching some of me for, some of you for 10 years, some of you older ones for 20 and 30 years. I could have been your substitute teacher in 1995, 94. You know, it’s so funny.
36:24
I have lived on Maui, and I think when I look at the different incarnations of having lived here, you know, real estate, I had a problem trying to sell places to people that didn’t live here.
36:39
Because I wanted to keep it local, and I didn’t think that was a way to do it, to be able to have people come here and rent it back and justify their raising of the rents based on the higher price of the property. That’s the way of the world, the way of the island, and I’ve been resistant. Now I say, ah.
36:57
Let’s use it. What if you want to create a mecca for stars here? What if we have those stars put their things through DreamMakers? I’ll deal with you directly if you want. Be happy to. But we’re involved in every transaction and we involve another broker and agent. Maybe you know the property. Maybe you know the agent. The money that will come from it. Another thing that we’re funding in DreamMakers is

 

37:26
Public access television. This has been a great place for free speech. So as we’re bringing money in, we are going to help public access television. It’s more than just feeling I want to give back. I want to be able to give back for all of us who should know that there’s something very special
37:48
about national public radio, about a lot of the programs that have been cut, you know, that are a place for voices to be heard. And I’m very happy that I’ve had all these years here. I’m looking forward to being on commercial radio stations wherever. But I know that
38:13
We’ve been doing good work and helping a lot of people. Sometimes I don’t even realize it. I had one gentleman, he’d been doing hospice kind of work and helping people back in Philadelphia. And I happened, I did an interview of him while he was here with his lady. They were, he was coming here to support women that were putting together, again, an alternative women within group.

 

38:43
And anyway, he, I introduced him to Bodhi, someone in our community who deals with death. In fact, the death store. Hey, Bodhi. And he became a doula and went through programs to understand and appreciate things in an even deeper way. And he said, you’ve changed my life. You introduced…
39:12
That only happens because of this. Having an outlet where I get to meet people over time, get to share it, and get to realize that’s the most powerful thing. Sharing these ideas, putting them together, like this search engine is doing with the shows that we’ve been doing. And when we add in shows from other people…
39:34
That’s where the Dream Makers Foundation is going to be flourishing. From Maui here, we can showcase our art, our music, host culture, create environmental solutions right here, and have the world open their mouth in hopefully joy that they too can enjoy that model and take less burden off future government officials
40:03
shutdowns. It’s just horrible for me to think that there’s no way to handle this. I think there is. I think we’re going to see a lot of revaluing of currencies. Can you imagine gold? Remember $28 a gram? $28, you’d have a… Was it $28 a gram? Gold coins. And now what is it?
40:30
$4,000? So what in our lifetime has gone up so… That’s why houses are so crazy. Have you seen your salaries go up? I laugh and not really laugh. A musician could be paying… He was getting $75 a night 30 years ago. And they’re still getting $75, $100…
40:56
What’s going on? The world is not being fair to musicians. Well, we’re gonna change that. Why? Because we’re gonna create a situation here
41:07
of turning money back into flourishing our community. We’re going to have housing and be able to supplement housing. Why? Because the landowners will be getting other benefits that don’t need cash now and create situations that are absolutely unique.
41:30
I remember buying a few properties or I helped buy a few properties with my old friend Rick Smith. May he rest in peace. Those of you who know Rick Smith remember. Owned the Cahie Farms and Bamboo Mountain Sanctuary. He used to be a detective in L.A. He was a beautiful man. Anyway, we would do deals where he’d be helping someone and the helping someone took some…

 

41:58
Strategies outside the box thinking. So I’ve been doing outside the box thinking really my whole life. I mean, before I came here and I was in the solar business in L.A.,
42:10
I was the one doing the speeches to the apartment building owners, talking to them about solar water heating. When technology came for photovoltaic, and they were doing it on the airport in Dallas, and Entec, what happened there? We met those people. I became a rep for them. What does a rep mean? It means I basically had the information, but it didn’t make economic sense. Technology moves forward. All that has happened.

 

42:40
We are living in the right time to do the dreams that we only had before. Ways of treating each other in a better way. Ways of using things and technology together to create extraordinary, beautiful, self-sustained islands. That’s what we’ve got ahead of us if we allow it to be.
43:08
And we let our hearts give. You know, a few dollars of someone supporting these organizations around you makes a big difference. You know, if I’m doing real estate and want to give 60%, that’s a lot.
43:27
Why? If I’m living in a community that nobody has and I have, isn’t that unreasonable? That’s not really a quality of life that I want. I want everyone. I want this rising tide to raise all ships. Because I really think peace is possible if we flourish, if we flourish economically, if we just allow people to be and not not to be.
43:57
You know, I don’t know how you feel and I don’t profess to making you feel one way or another, but I feel and I have never felt that prejudice.
44:13
is helpful to bring peace. Why are you deciding about someone else’s thing? Are you that perfect? Is that Jesus again? Might have been Jesus who said about someone about plucking the splinter out of your eye. Maybe it wasn’t Jesus. When you have a plank in your own eye, you remember that parable. Anyway,
44:42
I hope that my water speech, I made it simple and not technical, and I’m going to put that chat deep GPT thing I told you. What I saw there in looking at water and looking at water from air is it’s time.
45:00
to incorporate it into some of our legislation and being able to create suppliers and maybe we as manufacturers of and create an exportable product we don’t need to export because we’re using them here. It could be a very interesting time that we’re living in, if it isn’t already, in how we can come out of this impending doom

 

45:28
And smell like a rose. I’m going to put my glasses on. I see we still have 11 minutes left. I’m going to take a break or give you a break from me talking. Well, that’s great. I am going to choose some music. But while I am, I can give us… We are on KAKU 88.5 FM, the voice of Maui.
45:51
which is simulcast on Akaku, a.k.a. KU, Maui Community Media. In Maui Community Media, you can find Maui Stream on your phone and get the three channels of Akaku and the radio station right there on your phone. You can go to mauineutralzone.com and find all our shows with transcripts and summaries, including this show will be on tomorrow, by tomorrow.

 

46:18
You can also go to YouTube. I don’t want to forget YouTube. YouTube.com slash at Dream Maui and the number one.
46:26
New ones I’m putting at Dream Maui number two. But all of them are at the mauineutralzone.com. You can look and listen anytime. And when we include other shows coming soon, we’re going to have other shows on our channel. But that’s all to be developed. Especially as we create the resources for public access television. We hope to create a model.

 

46:52
That can help people everywhere. But wouldn’t it be nice? We’re going to start here. See, we get to live in paradise, have the attitude of people that care about each other. If you don’t already, when you start living well and realizing there’s plenty for everyone to thrive.
47:11
and that we have the places that we can keep our children here and flourishing, and they can take advantage of the new technologies without having to move, unless they want to. But we’re going to have a lot of new and good things as we develop this attitude that I like to hold so dear and talk about to excess. I don’t think to extreme, but maybe to excess.

 

47:37
You know, I have a partner in Ariel. I laugh when I realize Ariel was AI, A-I-R-I-E-L-L-E. I’ve been an AI guy for 30 years. So I just know that…
47:55
Love and peace and good wishes isn’t something that needs to be only when it’s convenient. It can be in every breath and everything that we do. And you don’t have to be, you know, necessarily, you know, showing it and jubilant and getting people uncomfortable. But to have that feeling inside…
48:21
And to realize that the best part of life is when you’re giving and helping people and you’re seeing that things can thrive all around you from things that you didn’t think were possible. It’s all possible. Well, I was going to go here to the phone and get some music. So let me do just that. You guys maybe haven’t used soundboard. Listen to this song. I like this song. Let’s see if you can tell who’s singing it.

 

48:52
¶¶ ¶¶ ¶¶ ¶¶
49:17
Make damn sure that pilot washed his hands and sealed his face. Mick Jagger, you’re welcome to come to Maui. We’ll have you on stage with us. Hope you get smart today. But what puzzles you is the nature of my day. I stuck around St. Peter’s
49:47
This song, done in the studio at Maui Arts, Maui Community College. Maui College. Funny, huh? That’s me and local musicians. That’s me and local musicians.
50:15
Oh yeah, I’m what was when you were the nature of my age.
50:25
Well, you could guess that was me singing Mick Jagger, singing Rolling Stones in class as we were learning how to use a recording studio. Now that recording studio is up there and being taught by Joel Katz, who’s a great musician by himself. He’s a gift to Maui. And you… Lono’s song…
50:50
Take that Maui style with you. Our old theme song is still a good theme song. Maui style it, don’t let me down. Maui style it, don’t let me down. Maui style it, don’t let me down. Maui style it, don’t let me down. There is sunshine in your heart. It’s been with you.
51:20
From the start Lift your head Look to the heavens Then you will feel Brand new again Don’t stop me now Maui style it Don’t let me down Maui style it Don’t let me down Maui style it Don’t let me down Maui style it Don’t let me down
51:51
That was a while ago, but it’s still a good song, and I think it’s going to be a hit again. How about, well, there’s so many good songs here. Here’s one. Let’s see. We have 4 minutes and 33 seconds.
52:33
¶¶
52:58
The world sits right outside my door, begging me to call. You know I’m gonna do my best, you know I’m gonna give all. My woman, I say, write me some, because they have their own. You know just how much I care for the love that I’ve shown. You know love, love, love makes the world go round. In my heart, in my eyes, still I will frown. You know love, love, love makes the world go round.

 

53:28
Music.
53:54
Troubles I Have Found by Jay Wolf. Boy, that one was, you know, still to be released. You know, there’s so much music and so many things. Here’s one. This was written when Jack Lewin was running for governor. Unlock the Hope by Lono.
54:18
The time has come to make a change. The time has come to unlock the hope that lives in each and every one of us. And we must do our part. We hold the visions God dreams of. Our hands can heal.
54:42
the ones we love let’s gather round and let us make a stand for you and me
54:53
unlock the hope and there’s a better life unlock the hope there’ll be no turning back but nothing changes unless we unlock the hope unlock the hope
55:22
We have to unlock the hope. That’s a message for now, and it’s a message for always, but for sure now. Well, it’s been a pleasure. I had thought I’d be speaking with my guest here, and she will be here another week, in a few weeks.
55:39
And we’ll talk about water. And go up to the website, MauiNeutralZone.com, and check it out. Not only this show, which you’ll be amazed when you look at the summary and the transcript, but look at other shows. Look up things by what your interests are and realize we have a new tool, a new tool.
56:00
That we can all use to make things better. And I’m happy to be contributing to that. If you want to be on the show, take a look at the website. You’ll see. Welcome to see and be part of what we’re doing. So we’ve got over 20 seconds left. And we’re counting down. Let me get this ready. Thank you all for joining us here today. Now in neutral zone. November 2025. Aloha. Blessings.

 

ChatGPT on Water From Air on Maui:

Water is a precious commodity. It is becoming very expensive and I’d like to know how to make water from the air. What units are available for homes and for other properties and for what companies

Context for Maui (Kahului)

Before diving into unit specs, a few Maui-specific considerations:

•Maui’s climate is warm and humid, which helps AWG output because many AWGs perform better with higher relative humidity. The typical rule: higher humidity + temperature → more water from air.  

•Still: output will vary depending on location (indoor vs outdoor, airflow, shade), building cooling/AC usage, and maintenance.

•Energy cost matters: Maui’s electricity rates are relatively high compared to many US mainland locations, so unit energy efficiency will impact operating cost.

•If you are looking at a single-family home, you’ll likely need a modest capacity; for a multi-unit property/apartment building, you’ll need something significantly larger and more robust (or multiple units) to make meaningful contribution.

•You’ll want to compare the AWG cost plus energy & maintenance vs what you pay now for municipal/tank water and whether the AWG will offset enough usage (drinking, cooking, maybe showers) to make pay-back feasible.

⸻

Comparison Table of 8 AWG Product Options

Here are eight representative units (home to property scale) with specs. I pulled recent available data and listing prices; you’ll want to verify current pricing, shipping to Hawaii, installation/venting requirements, and warranty details.

Here’s a little summary of each:

•Nube SS30 Atmospheric Water Generator: Mid-capacity home unit (~$2,130 listing). Good for perhaps a family home, depending on humidity and usage.

•Altitude Water Trident Atmospheric Water Generator: Higher capacity unit (~$3,989 listing). Could serve larger home/property or smaller multi-unit context.

•Tsunami T50 Atmospheric Water Generator: A larger unit (~$8,500 listing) — possibly geared toward property scale applications.

•2025 Improved Atmospheric Water Generator 10L Countertop: Budget countertop unit (~10 L/day output) listed ~$979. Good for drinking/cooking backup only.

•Altitude Water Trident 12 Atmospheric Water Generator: Another property scale model (~$3,989 listing) by same brand as the Trident.

•The World Best Atmospheric Water Generator: Affordable home AWG (~$1,368 listing) though you’ll need to verify specs & reliability.

•Waiea Water Atmospheric Water Generator WR‑2: Design-friendly home unit (~$1,279.99 listing) — more for home/office aesthetic + backup.

•Atmospheric Water Generator Air‑to‑Water H2O Machine: Larger property/industrial scale (~$3,499 listing) though capacity details may need checking.

Key Spec/Cost Considerations & Estimate Pay-Back Lines

Here’s how to think through sizing & payback for Maui, with rough estimates:

Spec/Cost factors to compare:

•Daily output (liters or gallons per day): Find “X L/day at Y% humidity and Z°C” in spec sheets. Some review articles show typical home units ~10–30 L/day in ideal conditions.  

•Energy consumption / efficiency (kWh per liter): The lower the better. One off-grid focused article says some units achieve ~220 Wh (0.22 kWh) per liter.  

•Operating cost = (Energy consumption × electricity rate) + maintenance/filter cost.

•Capital cost = purchase + installation + any plumbing/venting needed.

•Pay-back period = Capital cost ÷ (Annual savings from reduced water bill + value of backup water).

•Fit to climate: Since you’re in Maui, humidity is favourable. But note indoor vs outdoor, airflow, temperature variations matter.

•Maintenance and filter/fan life: Filter replacements, compressor upkeep, etc may add recurring expense.

Rough Pay-Back Estimate Sample:

Let’s assume for a home in Kahului:

•Average electricity rate (just for example) say $0.40/kWh (Hawaii averages are higher than mainland).

•Suppose you buy a unit that delivers 20 L/day (≈5.3 gallons/day) under Maui conditions. That’s ~1,950 L/year (≈515 gallons/year).

•Suppose energy consumption is 0.25 kWh per liter → 0.25 kWh × 1,950 L = 487.5 kWh/year → cost ≈ 487.5 × $0.40 = $195/year in electricity.

•Suppose your current cost of municipal/tank water (and what you want to offset) is say $5/gallon (this is hypothetical—check actual). Then 515 gallons/year × $5 = $2,575/year in water cost savings.

•So net annual benefit ≈ $2,575 − $195 = ~$2,380.

•If the unit cost $2,000 + installation $500 = $2,500, pay-back ≈ $2,500 / $2,380 ≈ 1.05 years.

•HOWEVER: If output is lower (say 10 L/day), or electricity higher, or water cost lower, payback might stretch out to 3-5 years or more.

For a multi-unit/apartment building, you might need dozens of gallons/day or a larger system (e.g., industrial AWG). At that scale, capital cost goes tens of thousands, so payback needs bulk water offset.

✅ My Recommendation for You in Kahului

Given everything, here’s what I suggest:

•If you’re looking at a single-family home, pick a mid-capacity home unit (like Nube SS30) and size for drinking/cooking + some backup — then gauge actual output in Maui conditions after installation.

•If you are looking at a rental property or apartment building, go for a larger system or multiple units, and carefully project how many gallons/day you’ll need to offset. It might make sense to consult a professional installer who can evaluate your specific building airflow/humidity and sizing.

•Install in a location with good air circulation, moderate temperature/humidity (avoid very cool or very dry spots).

•Monitor actual output for a month after install to verify manufacturer’s claims vs your local reality.

•Track energy usage and maintain filters/fans diligently — because maintenance downtime or poor performance can erode your savings.

•For resilience/back-up needs (e.g., supply interruption), even a smaller unit adds value beyond just cost savings (peace-of-mind).

•Because Hawaii’s electricity is expensive, look into pairing with solar panels so some of the energy to run the AWG can come from your PV system, improving ROI.

⸻

If you like, I can run a customised ROI calculator for your specific address/usage (Kahului) where you plug in your actual water cost, expected daily gallons to offset, and we estimate pay-back under three scenarios: “home unit”, “larger property unit”, and “premium large unit”. Would you like that?

Great — here’s a customised ROI calculator for your situation in Kahului (Maui), plus how to apply it using 3 product-scenarios. You’ll need to plug in your actual numbers (usage, unit cost, electricity rate) but this gives you a clear framework.

⸻

Local baseline numbers for Kahului / Maui

Here are key local cost figures you’ll need:

•Residential electricity rate: ~ $0.4287 / kWh (42.87¢/kWh) for residential customers in Hawai‘i.  

•Residential water use charge for Maui County Department of Water Supply: For single-family dwellings, usage tiers start at $2.13 per 1,000 gallons for 0-5,000 gallons.  

•A note: Some local commentary says “average family on Maui pays less than $2.00 per 1,000 gallons of water delivered to their home.”  

So water is relatively inexpensive compared to some mainland rates, which affects the pay-back calculation.

⸻

ROI Calculator Framework

Here’s how to compute estimated pay-back:

\text{Annual water saved (gallons)} \;\times\; \text{current water rate} \;-\; \text{Annual cost to run AWG (electricity + maintenance)} \;=\; \text{Annual net benefit}

\text{Pay-back period (years)} \;=\; \frac{\text{Total capital cost (unit + installation)}}{\text{Annual net benefit}}

Where:

•Annual water saved = Daily output of AWG × 365 days

•Electricity cost = (kWh per gallon × gallons per day × 365) × electricity rate

•Annual net benefit must be positive for it to pay-back within reasonable time.

⸻

Three Example Scenarios With Specific Products

Here are three representative units (via product listings) and how the ROI might look in your location:

And here are summaries:

•Nube SS30 Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$2,130 MSRP; mid-capacity for home use.

•Waiea Water Atmospheric Water Generator WR‑2: ~$1,279 listing; design-forward home/office scale.

•2025 Improved Atmospheric Water Generator 10L Countertop: ~$980; small capacity (~10 L/day) countertop.

•The World Best Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$1,368 listing; another home-scale.

•Altitude Water Trident Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$3,989 listing; property-scale.

•Atmospheric Water Generator Air‑to‑Water H2O Machine: ~$3,499; larger property.

•Tsunami T50 Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$8,500 listing; commercial size.

•Altitude Water Trident 10 Large‑Scale AWG: ~$28,999; large-scale system for heavy usage.

⸻

Sample Calculation for Each Scenario

Let’s assume a home AWG in Maui will produce ~20 liters/day (~5.3 gallons/day) under your humid conditions. Let’s assume energy consumption ~0.25 kWh per liter (just a rough assumption). Water rate assume $4.98 per 1,000 gallons (tier 2) for simplicity. Electricity rate = $0.4287/kWh.

Convert units:

•5.3 gallons/day × 365 ≈ 1,935 gallons/year

•Annual water cost savings = 1,935 gallons × ($4.98/1,000 gallons) ≈ $9.63/year

(Note: this is very low because water rate is low in Maui. This illustrates a challenge.)

•Annual energy use = 20 L/day × 0.25 kWh/L = 5 kWh/day → 5 × 365 = 1,825 kWh/year

•Annual electricity cost = 1,825 kWh × $0.4287/kWh ≈ $783/year

•Annual net benefit = $9.63 – $783 = −$773/year (i.e., a loss)

•If unit cost was $2,130 + installation say $500 = $2,630 → pay-back would never happen under these assumptions.

Interpretation: Because the municipal water cost in your area is extremely low (under $5 per 1,000 gallons), the water savings are minimal. Meanwhile the electricity cost to run the system is large. So the ROI is very unfavourable unless the unit is extremely efficient (much lower energy per liter) or you’re offsetting higher-cost water (e.g., for an apartment building where water cost per gallon is much higher, or for emergency/resilience value rather than pure economics).

⸻

Recommendation & What to Adjust for Better ROI

•For single-family home usage in Kahului: Given the low water price, expect that even small AWG units will likely not pay back purely on water savings unless the unit uses extremely low energy per liter (say <0.10 kWh per liter) and you use a lot of the water for high-cost applications (maybe showering or high-usage).

•For rental/apartment building or other high-water-usage property: If you can offset a large number of gallons (thousands/day) and/or the property pays higher water rates (for non-residential) then ROI might become viable.

•Also consider resilience value: If your motivation is security (backup water supply in event of outage), then ROI may not purely be measured in years but in value of independence.

•Investigate energy efficiency specs: Try to find AWG models with published energy-use per liter in humid conditions; aim for <0.15 kWh/L.

•Consider pairing with solar PV: If you power the AWG with solar panels, then the effective cost of electricity may drop, improving ROI.

⸻

If you like, I can run three tailored scenarios for you (single-family home, 6-unit apartment building, and 20-unit complex) using variable daily outputs, unit costs and electricity usage, so you see “home scale vs small multi-unit vs medium building” side by side. Would you like that?

Awesome—since you’re in Kahului, Maui, I ran the numbers for three property sizes and then did a separate deep-dive on the Tsunami T50 you asked about. Short version: AWGs work great for resilience and when they replace expensive water (bottled/trucked) or you can power them with solar. They’re generally not cost-effective against Maui’s low municipal water rates if you pay utility power.

⸻

Assumptions grounded in Maui + product specs

•Electricity (Maui County, 2024 avg): ~$0.4359/kWh residential; small-business ~$0.4805/kWh.  

•Water rates (FY26): single-family tiers $2.13–$13.20 per 1,000 gal; multifamily flat $5.09/1,000 gal; hotels $14.15/1,000 gal. (That’s $0.00213–$0.01320/gal for SF; $0.00509/gal for MF; $0.01415/gal for hotels.)  

•Typical Kahului climate: warm, muggy (avg RH roughly high-60s to low-70s), which helps output. (Still, makers quote “up to” numbers at high temp/high RH.)  

•AWG efficiency/capacity examples used below:

•Nube SS30: ~0.30–0.45 kWh/L (≈1.14–1.70 kWh/gal) energy use.  

•Altitude/Trident 200: up to 360 gpd; ~0.60 kWh/gal at 90°F/90% RH (best-case).  

•Tsunami T50: >16 gpd, power draw 0.8–1.0 kW continuous (110 V).  

⸻

Three sizing scenarios (with conservative, real-world-ish inputs)

1) Single-family home (drinking + cooking)

Unit: Nube SS30

Assume output: 20 L/day (≈5.3 gpd; ~1,930 gal/yr)

Energy: 0.35 kWh/L mid-range → ~7 kWh/day → ~2,555 kWh/yr

Power cost (residential): 2,555 kWh × $0.4359 ≈ $1,114/yr  

Water bill offset (Tier-2 ~$4.98/1k gal): ~1,930 gal × $0.00498 ≈ $9.6/yr  

Net annual economics: –$1,104/yr (loss)

Takeaway: Great for backup water, but not money-saving vs. Maui tap water at utility power.

⸻

2) Small multi-unit (≈6 units)

Unit: Altitude/Trident 200

Assume output: 200 gpd average (well below “360 gpd up to” spec) → ~73,000 gal/yr

Energy (best-case curve): 0.60 kWh/gal → ~43,800 kWh/yr  

Power cost (small business): 43,800 × $0.4805 ≈ $21,046/yr  

Water bill offset (multifamily $5.09/1k gal): 73,000 × $0.00509 ≈ $372/yr  

Net annual economics: –$20,674/yr (loss)

Even at hotel rate $14.15/1k gal (~$1,033/yr) it’s still a large negative.  

⸻

3) Medium property (aiming to replace bottled water)

Suppose you aim to displace bottled water at ~$1.00/gal (office, campus, etc.).

Unit: Altitude/Trident 200 at 200 gpd → 73,000 gal/yr

Savings vs bottled: ~$73,000/yr

Energy cost (as above): ~$21,046/yr

Net: ~$52,000/yr positive (before filters/maintenance).

Takeaway: When you’re replacing bottled (or trucked) water, AWGs can pencil out, especially with PV power.

⸻

Tsunami T50 — your requested breakout

Spec highlights: “Potential: >16 gpd”; power draw 0.8–1.0 kW; 110 V; 20 A breaker.  

•Energy per gallon (from specs): If it averages 0.9 kW and runs continuously to make 16 gpd, that’s ~21.6 kWh/day → ~1.35 kWh/gal.

•Annual energy: 21.6 × 365 ≈ 7,884 kWh/yr

•Annual output: 16 × 365 ≈ 5,840 gal/yr

A) If replacing Maui tap water (single-family Tier-2):

•Power cost: 7,884 × $0.4359 ≈ $3,437/yr  

•Water “savings”: 5,840 × $0.00498 ≈ $29/yr  

•Net: –$3,408/yr (loss). ROI doesn’t work vs municipal.

B) If replacing bottled water at ~$1.00/gal:

•Savings: ~$5,840/yr

•Net (after power): ~$2,403/yr positive (filters not included).

•If the unit price is around $8,500 (typical listing seen for T50), simple payback ≈ 3.5 years (faster with solar).  

C) If you can power it substantially with solar PV:

•At an effective $0.10/kWh, power cost ≈ $788/yr → Net vs bottled ≈ $5,052/yr; simple payback ≈ 1.7 years on an $8.5k unit.

•Also compelling as resilience (hurricane/fire/disaster) water even when city supply is OK.

⸻

Bottom line for Kahului

•Economics vs Maui tap water: Generally unfavorable (water is cheap; electricity is expensive).

•Economics vs bottled/trucked water: Can be good to excellent—especially with PV or at larger daily volumes.

•Use cases that make sense: Emergency preparedness, off-grid homes, remote sites, schools/offices that otherwise buy bottled water, hotels/resorts wanting a sustainability story (paired with solar).

Water is a precious commodity. It is becoming very expensive and I’d like to know how to make water from the air. What units are available for homes and for other properties and for what companies

Context for Maui (Kahului)

Before diving into unit specs, a few Maui-specific considerations:

•Maui’s climate is warm and humid, which helps AWG output because many AWGs perform better with higher relative humidity. The typical rule: higher humidity + temperature → more water from air.  

•Still: output will vary depending on location (indoor vs outdoor, airflow, shade), building cooling/AC usage, and maintenance.

•Energy cost matters: Maui’s electricity rates are relatively high compared to many US mainland locations, so unit energy efficiency will impact operating cost.

•If you are looking at a single-family home, you’ll likely need a modest capacity; for a multi-unit property/apartment building, you’ll need something significantly larger and more robust (or multiple units) to make meaningful contribution.

•You’ll want to compare the AWG cost plus energy & maintenance vs what you pay now for municipal/tank water and whether the AWG will offset enough usage (drinking, cooking, maybe showers) to make pay-back feasible.

⸻

Comparison Table of 8 AWG Product Options

Here are eight representative units (home to property scale) with specs. I pulled recent available data and listing prices; you’ll want to verify current pricing, shipping to Hawaii, installation/venting requirements, and warranty details.

Here’s a little summary of each:

•Nube SS30 Atmospheric Water Generator: Mid-capacity home unit (~$2,130 listing). Good for perhaps a family home, depending on humidity and usage.

•Altitude Water Trident Atmospheric Water Generator: Higher capacity unit (~$3,989 listing). Could serve larger home/property or smaller multi-unit context.

•Tsunami T50 Atmospheric Water Generator: A larger unit (~$8,500 listing) — possibly geared toward property scale applications.

•2025 Improved Atmospheric Water Generator 10L Countertop: Budget countertop unit (~10 L/day output) listed ~$979. Good for drinking/cooking backup only.

•Altitude Water Trident 12 Atmospheric Water Generator: Another property scale model (~$3,989 listing) by same brand as the Trident.

•The World Best Atmospheric Water Generator: Affordable home AWG (~$1,368 listing) though you’ll need to verify specs & reliability.

•Waiea Water Atmospheric Water Generator WR‑2: Design-friendly home unit (~$1,279.99 listing) — more for home/office aesthetic + backup.

•Atmospheric Water Generator Air‑to‑Water H2O Machine: Larger property/industrial scale (~$3,499 listing) though capacity details may need checking.

Key Spec/Cost Considerations & Estimate Pay-Back Lines

Here’s how to think through sizing & payback for Maui, with rough estimates:

Spec/Cost factors to compare:

•Daily output (liters or gallons per day): Find “X L/day at Y% humidity and Z°C” in spec sheets. Some review articles show typical home units ~10–30 L/day in ideal conditions.  

•Energy consumption / efficiency (kWh per liter): The lower the better. One off-grid focused article says some units achieve ~220 Wh (0.22 kWh) per liter.  

•Operating cost = (Energy consumption × electricity rate) + maintenance/filter cost.

•Capital cost = purchase + installation + any plumbing/venting needed.

•Pay-back period = Capital cost ÷ (Annual savings from reduced water bill + value of backup water).

•Fit to climate: Since you’re in Maui, humidity is favourable. But note indoor vs outdoor, airflow, temperature variations matter.

•Maintenance and filter/fan life: Filter replacements, compressor upkeep, etc may add recurring expense.

Rough Pay-Back Estimate Sample:

Let’s assume for a home in Kahului:

•Average electricity rate (just for example) say $0.40/kWh (Hawaii averages are higher than mainland).

•Suppose you buy a unit that delivers 20 L/day (≈5.3 gallons/day) under Maui conditions. That’s ~1,950 L/year (≈515 gallons/year).

•Suppose energy consumption is 0.25 kWh per liter → 0.25 kWh × 1,950 L = 487.5 kWh/year → cost ≈ 487.5 × $0.40 = $195/year in electricity.

•Suppose your current cost of municipal/tank water (and what you want to offset) is say $5/gallon (this is hypothetical—check actual). Then 515 gallons/year × $5 = $2,575/year in water cost savings.

•So net annual benefit ≈ $2,575 − $195 = ~$2,380.

•If the unit cost $2,000 + installation $500 = $2,500, pay-back ≈ $2,500 / $2,380 ≈ 1.05 years.

•HOWEVER: If output is lower (say 10 L/day), or electricity higher, or water cost lower, payback might stretch out to 3-5 years or more.

For a multi-unit/apartment building, you might need dozens of gallons/day or a larger system (e.g., industrial AWG). At that scale, capital cost goes tens of thousands, so payback needs bulk water offset.

✅ My Recommendation for You in Kahului

Given everything, here’s what I suggest:

•If you’re looking at a single-family home, pick a mid-capacity home unit (like Nube SS30) and size for drinking/cooking + some backup — then gauge actual output in Maui conditions after installation.

•If you are looking at a rental property or apartment building, go for a larger system or multiple units, and carefully project how many gallons/day you’ll need to offset. It might make sense to consult a professional installer who can evaluate your specific building airflow/humidity and sizing.

•Install in a location with good air circulation, moderate temperature/humidity (avoid very cool or very dry spots).

•Monitor actual output for a month after install to verify manufacturer’s claims vs your local reality.

•Track energy usage and maintain filters/fans diligently — because maintenance downtime or poor performance can erode your savings.

•For resilience/back-up needs (e.g., supply interruption), even a smaller unit adds value beyond just cost savings (peace-of-mind).

•Because Hawaii’s electricity is expensive, look into pairing with solar panels so some of the energy to run the AWG can come from your PV system, improving ROI.

⸻

If you like, I can run a customised ROI calculator for your specific address/usage (Kahului) where you plug in your actual water cost, expected daily gallons to offset, and we estimate pay-back under three scenarios: “home unit”, “larger property unit”, and “premium large unit”. Would you like that?

Great — here’s a customised ROI calculator for your situation in Kahului (Maui), plus how to apply it using 3 product-scenarios. You’ll need to plug in your actual numbers (usage, unit cost, electricity rate) but this gives you a clear framework.

⸻

Local baseline numbers for Kahului / Maui

Here are key local cost figures you’ll need:

•Residential electricity rate: ~ $0.4287 / kWh (42.87¢/kWh) for residential customers in Hawai‘i.  

•Residential water use charge for Maui County Department of Water Supply: For single-family dwellings, usage tiers start at $2.13 per 1,000 gallons for 0-5,000 gallons.  

•A note: Some local commentary says “average family on Maui pays less than $2.00 per 1,000 gallons of water delivered to their home.”  

So water is relatively inexpensive compared to some mainland rates, which affects the pay-back calculation.

⸻

ROI Calculator Framework

Here’s how to compute estimated pay-back:

\text{Annual water saved (gallons)} \;\times\; \text{current water rate} \;-\; \text{Annual cost to run AWG (electricity + maintenance)} \;=\; \text{Annual net benefit}

\text{Pay-back period (years)} \;=\; \frac{\text{Total capital cost (unit + installation)}}{\text{Annual net benefit}}

Where:

•Annual water saved = Daily output of AWG × 365 days

•Electricity cost = (kWh per gallon × gallons per day × 365) × electricity rate

•Annual net benefit must be positive for it to pay-back within reasonable time.

⸻

Three Example Scenarios With Specific Products

Here are three representative units (via product listings) and how the ROI might look in your location:

And here are summaries:

•Nube SS30 Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$2,130 MSRP; mid-capacity for home use.

•Waiea Water Atmospheric Water Generator WR‑2: ~$1,279 listing; design-forward home/office scale.

•2025 Improved Atmospheric Water Generator 10L Countertop: ~$980; small capacity (~10 L/day) countertop.

•The World Best Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$1,368 listing; another home-scale.

•Altitude Water Trident Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$3,989 listing; property-scale.

•Atmospheric Water Generator Air‑to‑Water H2O Machine: ~$3,499; larger property.

•Tsunami T50 Atmospheric Water Generator: ~$8,500 listing; commercial size.

•Altitude Water Trident 10 Large‑Scale AWG: ~$28,999; large-scale system for heavy usage.

⸻

Sample Calculation for Each Scenario

Let’s assume a home AWG in Maui will produce ~20 liters/day (~5.3 gallons/day) under your humid conditions. Let’s assume energy consumption ~0.25 kWh per liter (just a rough assumption). Water rate assume $4.98 per 1,000 gallons (tier 2) for simplicity. Electricity rate = $0.4287/kWh.

Convert units:

•5.3 gallons/day × 365 ≈ 1,935 gallons/year

•Annual water cost savings = 1,935 gallons × ($4.98/1,000 gallons) ≈ $9.63/year

(Note: this is very low because water rate is low in Maui. This illustrates a challenge.)

•Annual energy use = 20 L/day × 0.25 kWh/L = 5 kWh/day → 5 × 365 = 1,825 kWh/year

•Annual electricity cost = 1,825 kWh × $0.4287/kWh ≈ $783/year

•Annual net benefit = $9.63 – $783 = −$773/year (i.e., a loss)

•If unit cost was $2,130 + installation say $500 = $2,630 → pay-back would never happen under these assumptions.

Interpretation: Because the municipal water cost in your area is extremely low (under $5 per 1,000 gallons), the water savings are minimal. Meanwhile the electricity cost to run the system is large. So the ROI is very unfavourable unless the unit is extremely efficient (much lower energy per liter) or you’re offsetting higher-cost water (e.g., for an apartment building where water cost per gallon is much higher, or for emergency/resilience value rather than pure economics).

⸻

Recommendation & What to Adjust for Better ROI

•For single-family home usage in Kahului: Given the low water price, expect that even small AWG units will likely not pay back purely on water savings unless the unit uses extremely low energy per liter (say <0.10 kWh per liter) and you use a lot of the water for high-cost applications (maybe showering or high-usage).

•For rental/apartment building or other high-water-usage property: If you can offset a large number of gallons (thousands/day) and/or the property pays higher water rates (for non-residential) then ROI might become viable.

•Also consider resilience value: If your motivation is security (backup water supply in event of outage), then ROI may not purely be measured in years but in value of independence.

•Investigate energy efficiency specs: Try to find AWG models with published energy-use per liter in humid conditions; aim for <0.15 kWh/L.

•Consider pairing with solar PV: If you power the AWG with solar panels, then the effective cost of electricity may drop, improving ROI.

⸻

If you like, I can run three tailored scenarios for you (single-family home, 6-unit apartment building, and 20-unit complex) using variable daily outputs, unit costs and electricity usage, so you see “home scale vs small multi-unit vs medium building” side by side. Would you like that?

Awesome—since you’re in Kahului, Maui, I ran the numbers for three property sizes and then did a separate deep-dive on the Tsunami T50 you asked about. Short version: AWGs work great for resilience and when they replace expensive water (bottled/trucked) or you can power them with solar. They’re generally not cost-effective against Maui’s low municipal water rates if you pay utility power.

⸻

Assumptions grounded in Maui + product specs

•Electricity (Maui County, 2024 avg): ~$0.4359/kWh residential; small-business ~$0.4805/kWh.  

•Water rates (FY26): single-family tiers $2.13–$13.20 per 1,000 gal; multifamily flat $5.09/1,000 gal; hotels $14.15/1,000 gal. (That’s $0.00213–$0.01320/gal for SF; $0.00509/gal for MF; $0.01415/gal for hotels.)  

•Typical Kahului climate: warm, muggy (avg RH roughly high-60s to low-70s), which helps output. (Still, makers quote “up to” numbers at high temp/high RH.)  

•AWG efficiency/capacity examples used below:

•Nube SS30: ~0.30–0.45 kWh/L (≈1.14–1.70 kWh/gal) energy use.  

•Altitude/Trident 200: up to 360 gpd; ~0.60 kWh/gal at 90°F/90% RH (best-case).  

•Tsunami T50: >16 gpd, power draw 0.8–1.0 kW continuous (110 V).  

⸻

Three sizing scenarios (with conservative, real-world-ish inputs)

1) Single-family home (drinking + cooking)

Unit: Nube SS30

Assume output: 20 L/day (≈5.3 gpd; ~1,930 gal/yr)

Energy: 0.35 kWh/L mid-range → ~7 kWh/day → ~2,555 kWh/yr

Power cost (residential): 2,555 kWh × $0.4359 ≈ $1,114/yr  

Water bill offset (Tier-2 ~$4.98/1k gal): ~1,930 gal × $0.00498 ≈ $9.6/yr  

Net annual economics: –$1,104/yr (loss)

Takeaway: Great for backup water, but not money-saving vs. Maui tap water at utility power.

⸻

2) Small multi-unit (≈6 units)

Unit: Altitude/Trident 200

Assume output: 200 gpd average (well below “360 gpd up to” spec) → ~73,000 gal/yr

Energy (best-case curve): 0.60 kWh/gal → ~43,800 kWh/yr  

Power cost (small business): 43,800 × $0.4805 ≈ $21,046/yr  

Water bill offset (multifamily $5.09/1k gal): 73,000 × $0.00509 ≈ $372/yr  

Net annual economics: –$20,674/yr (loss)

Even at hotel rate $14.15/1k gal (~$1,033/yr) it’s still a large negative.  

⸻

3) Medium property (aiming to replace bottled water)

Suppose you aim to displace bottled water at ~$1.00/gal (office, campus, etc.).

Unit: Altitude/Trident 200 at 200 gpd → 73,000 gal/yr

Savings vs bottled: ~$73,000/yr

Energy cost (as above): ~$21,046/yr

Net: ~$52,000/yr positive (before filters/maintenance).

Takeaway: When you’re replacing bottled (or trucked) water, AWGs can pencil out, especially with PV power.

⸻

Tsunami T50 — your requested breakout

Spec highlights: “Potential: >16 gpd”; power draw 0.8–1.0 kW; 110 V; 20 A breaker.  

•Energy per gallon (from specs): If it averages 0.9 kW and runs continuously to make 16 gpd, that’s ~21.6 kWh/day → ~1.35 kWh/gal.

•Annual energy: 21.6 × 365 ≈ 7,884 kWh/yr

•Annual output: 16 × 365 ≈ 5,840 gal/yr

A) If replacing Maui tap water (single-family Tier-2):

•Power cost: 7,884 × $0.4359 ≈ $3,437/yr  

•Water “savings”: 5,840 × $0.00498 ≈ $29/yr  

•Net: –$3,408/yr (loss). ROI doesn’t work vs municipal.

B) If replacing bottled water at ~$1.00/gal:

•Savings: ~$5,840/yr

•Net (after power): ~$2,403/yr positive (filters not included).

•If the unit price is around $8,500 (typical listing seen for T50), simple payback ≈ 3.5 years (faster with solar).  

C) If you can power it substantially with solar PV:

•At an effective $0.10/kWh, power cost ≈ $788/yr → Net vs bottled ≈ $5,052/yr; simple payback ≈ 1.7 years on an $8.5k unit.

•Also compelling as resilience (hurricane/fire/disaster) water even when city supply is OK.

⸻

Bottom line for Kahului

•Economics vs Maui tap water: Generally unfavorable (water is cheap; electricity is expensive).

•Economics vs bottled/trucked water: Can be good to excellent—especially with PV or at larger daily volumes.

•Use cases that make sense: Emergency preparedness, off-grid homes, remote sites, schools/offices that otherwise buy bottled water, hotels/resorts wanting a sustainability story (paired with solar).

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