Currently the DWS has approximately 35,000 water meters on Maui andMolokai.

They are read via automatic radio-read technology which allows the meter reader to download meter readings to a portable computer device in the meter reader's vehicle.

This technology was installed in the mid-1990's.

Pacific Meter Services will be going to each meter box and removing the old transponder — the part that reads the meter and sends the signal to the reader — and installing a new, updated transponder.

They will also be recording the locations of each meter via GPS technology.

The process should take 10 to 15 minutes per meter. The Lahaina area will be the first phase of this project.

All Pacific Meter employees will be wearing lime green safety style reflective vests with a Pacific Meter logo on the back. All employees will have an ID badge with name and toll free phone number to call with questions.

Project Superintendent Carl Walker will be in charge of the

project. Any questions can be forwarded to the Pacific Meter office at 877-857-1516.

DWS customers are asked to clear any overgrowth or other obstacles around the water meter as Pacific Meter employees will need clear access to the meter. Inaccessible meters may be cleared at the homeowners' expense.

The project is budgeted for $3.8 million. The expected completion date for the transponder replacement project is March 2008.