THE FILM
UnderWaters Documentary
Through 30 years of scientific research and dedication, citizens on the island of Maui banded together to fight for the health of the ocean's coral reefs of Hawai'i.
The entire planet depends on the balance of the ecosystems, including the delicate life of the coral reefs.
UnderWaters is the inspiring story of the
united efforts of members of Maui Wildlife Fund,
Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, West Maui Preservation Association and Earth Justice
who filed a lawsuit to ensure the County of Maui adheres to the Clean Water Act. The results of this environmental Supreme Court case has initiated positive changes across the country.
Incredible underwater and drone footage showcase
interviews with biologists, attorneys, pro athletes,
activists and local community members who are
passionately working to save the oceans and rivers...
before it is too late.
THE FACTS
A 30 year journey...
Twelve years ago Alli Waters produced a video to educate people about the issues wastewater injection wells were causing the ocean's coral reefs of Maui, Hawai'i.
Ten years later she was approached to produce this documentary; UnderWaters, as things had progressed significantly.
In 2020, during COVD lockdown, Alli began filming interviews with biologists; Hannah Bernard & Robin Knox, who have been spearheading this mission, along with several others, for nearly 30 years. After many years of scientific research and court battles, this case was taken to the US Supreme Court.
Members of Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, Surfrider Foundation, West Maui Preservation Association and Sierra Club filed lawsuits against the County Of Maui to enforce the Clean Water Act of the United States that was passed in the 1970's. The legal team of Earthjustice represented them as the case journeyed from the state courts to the Supreme Court.
Wastewater Treatment plants filter the community's sewage before disposing millions of gallons of the wastewater into the oceans of Maui each day. It has now been proven that the sewage is causing invasive algae blooms that suffocate the coral reefs, endangering the sealife, humans and the planet's ecosystems.
THE MISSION
Just the beginning...
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The court battle was won at the state court and the Supreme Court and in 2022, a settlement agreement was made between the plaintiffs and Maui County.
This is just the beginning. Now a plan needs to be approved to divert the wastewater for use as irrigation, agriculture and fire suppression. This plan will take a lot of money, construction and time.
It is vital for this process to begin immediately and is now mandated by the law.
Since enforcing The Clean Water Act, many states across the country have began making
changes to stop the contamination
& destruction of our oceans and rivers.
This movement was started by a small group of dedicated citizens on the island of Maui, Hawai'i. Our hope is that their story will inspire others to make positive changes in their community and to never give up.