Water board adopts budget keeping same rates

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

O'ahu residents will see no change in their water rates under the $195.6 million operating and construction budget adopted yesterday by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

Clifford Jamile, manager and chief engineer of the water department, recommended that the board postpone a rate increase, since current and anticipated water service revenues would cover the costs for the 2003-2004 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

"This is the eighth year in a row that our board has deferred scheduled water rate increases," Jamile said in a written statement. "We remain committed to providing a safe, adequate and reliable supply of water to our customers at a fair and reasonable cost."

The budget includes $93.7 million for operating expenditures, $44.3 million for the research and facility improvement program and $36.1 million for the capital improvement program.

The board plans to upgrade water mains in Ala Moana, Waikiki, Wilhelmina Rise, Nanakuli, Manoa, 'Aiea, Kane'ohe, Kailua, Hale'iwa, Kamehameha Heights, Wahiawa, Waipahu, Moanalua, Hawai'i Kai, Kalihi and Wai'anae.

Construction projects include $12.5 million for the 'Ewa Shaft granular activated carbon treatment facility, $7.3 million for construction of the Kalawahine Reservoir and $6 million for construction of the Kalaeloa Desalination Facility, which is expected to yield up to 5 million gallons of potable water daily.

The operating budget, which is $13.4 million over the current year, includes only 613 of 714 authorized staff positions, Jamile said.

The one-year deferral will apply to each rate increase authorized for 2003, 2004 and 2005. All other portions of the schedule of rates and charges for water and water services will remain unchanged.