The lawsuit was filed Friday by attorney Margery Bronster on behalf of the county. Bronster said if Molokai properties were to cease water and sewer services, the company would violate contractual agreements with Maui County dating back almost 30 years.

"We have asked, asked and asked again as whether or not they will continue to meet their committment to people of Molokai and what we've gotten is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of the weasel words. Instead this is a very serious matter and we believe we need a serious answer," Margery Bronster said.

On Friday, Governor Linda Lingle said residents will continue to have water and sewer services past Sunday. The Public Utilities Commission approved dramatic rate increases in order to maintain essential water services, this after Molokai Ranch shut down earlier this year.

---