Posted on: Tuesday, April 23, 2002

Water-rate increase may be deferred

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply is considering a proposal to hold off increasing water rates for at least a year.

A public hearing on a recommendation to defer a rate increase will be held May 28 at 2 p.m. in the water supply agency's boardroom. Testimony also will be taken on proposed 2002-2003 operating and capital improvement budgets.

If there are no major objections to the proposals, the board will adopt the recommendations following the public hearing, said Board of Water Supply spokeswoman Denise DeCosta.

"Deferral of the rate increase recognizes the economic climate of the city and state, and current financial data indicates that we will be able to present a balanced budget and maintain current customer programs and services," Board of Water Supply manager and chief engineer Cliff Jamile said in a letter to the board.

The last time water rates were increased was July 1995.

O'ahu residents pay $1.77 per 1,000 gallons up to 13,000 gallons; $2.12 for 13,001 to 30,000 gallons; and $3.18 for water use that exceeds 30,000 gallons.

DeCosta said the proposed budgets will be available a week before the May 28 hearing.