Mayor plans to reject referendum on sewers

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

Mayor Jeremy Harris yesterday said he plans to reject a proposed charter amendment in which voters would decide if the city's sewer operations should be merged into the Board of Water Supply. That would keep it off the ballot.

Harris earlier indicated that he thought the concept by the City Council has some merit, but that the specific proposal has not been studied adequately.

"Because there has been no study of the proposed merger, we have no idea if it would result in any cost savings or improved operational efficiencies," Harris said.

Council members who approved the measure by a 6-3 vote Wednesday at the council's meeting in Kapolei said they believe consolidating the functions of the department would result in savings of up to 30 percent.

Opponents said it appeared to be a way to distance elected officials from the politically unpopular task of raising sewer fees, something that budget analysts have said is likely to be required within the year.

The City Charter allows the mayor to reject such a proposal on the eve of this election season.