Water, or wai, is the foundation of health and wellbeing. It is recognized as a fundamental human right, meant to be sufficient, safe, acceptable, accessible, and affordable for personal and domestic use. In Native Hawaiian culture, wai is more than just a resource – it is life-giving, as reflected in the word “waiwai,” meaning “wealth.”
Hydration is vital, as water makes up 60% of the human body and supports digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and detoxification. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, and added strain on the heart and kidneys.
Over time, chronic dehydration increases the risk of kidney disease, high blood pressure, and cognitive decline, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. A 1-2% loss of body water can impair memory, problem-solving, and increase anxiety, fatigue, and irritability.
While the CDC provides no specific daily water intake recommendations, a common guideline suggests drinking half of one’s body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water daily, up to 120 ounces. For example, a 200-pound person should aim for 100 ounces per day.
However, hydration needs vary based on activity level, climate, and health conditions. In Hawaiʻi’s hot and humid environment, or for those who exercise frequently, fluid needs may be higher, while individuals with congestive heart failure or kidney disease may require less.
Despite the importance of clean water, Native Hawaiians and other communities continue to struggle with water access due to contamination, privatization, and mismanagement. The Red Hill Water Crisis and Maui water rights disputes – which contributed to the West Maui wildfire disaster – are among the most well-known conflicts.
A lesser-known but equally urgent crisis is unfolding at Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, which houses nearly 1,000 inmates from Hawaiʻi.
In October 2024, the ACLU of Hawaiʻi issued a demand letter calling for an immediate investigation into unsafe drinking water conditions at Saguaro Correctional Center. Their investigation found that inmates reported the water was “greasy, viscous,” left an awful aftertaste, and smelled like “chlorine,” “chemicals,” “metallic rust,” and “bug spray.”
Consumption reportedly caused burning eyes, cracked skin, gastrointestinal issues, and other health concerns.
Long-term exposure to chemical contaminants, bacteria, heavy metals, and excessive chlorine can lead to chronic kidney and liver disease, neurological damage, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of cancer and cognitive decline.
Saguaro prison staff drink bottled water while inmates must drink contaminated tap water or purchase overpriced bottled water at $15 per case – three times the outside price. With prison wages at just 25 cents per hour, many cannot afford enough water for daily hydration.
The ACLU has demanded an independent water quality investigation, free access to safe drinking water, and transparency in commissary pricing, arguing that conditions at Saguaro may violate constitutional rights, federal disability laws, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
To date, no official actions or public statements have confirmed whether these demands have been addressed. Ensuring safe, equitable water access for all, including incarcerated Native Hawaiians, is essential for protecting health, dignity, and justice.
