Board of Water Supply of Honolulu

The board will address the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair. Action items include the acceptance of a gift from Hawaiian Earth Recycling, LLC for the annual xeriscape garden plant sale, as well as the adoption of resolutions regarding water system revenue loans and project financing. Informational briefings will be held on the response to Red Hill fuel contamination, a study report concerning impacts of JP-5 releases, water revenue bond compliance, groundwater levels, and a report on water main repairs. An executive session is scheduled to consult with legal counsel on matters regarding board powers, duties, and proposed settlements for various property damage claims.

The Kuleana Eco-Project, a two-year outreach initiative co-sponsored by Malama o Manoa and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, aimed to educate Manoa Valley residents on water conservation and non-point source pollution prevention. It focused on changing household behaviors through a two-phase approach: student-led surveys and educational feedback, followed by a 'Water Warrior Challenge' and Eco-Fair. The primary goal was to cultivate 'Kuleana' (responsibility and stewardship) among community members, empowering children as key educators to ensure long-term environmental protection and sustainable water resource management.

The meeting agenda includes a public hearing regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 operating and capital improvement program budget. Key action items involve the adoption of a resolution to approve the operating and capital budget and appropriate funds. Informational items feature an update on the response to potential impacts of Red Hill fuel contamination, a status update on groundwater levels at index stations, and a water main repair report. Additionally, the board will convene an executive session to consult with legal counsel on matters concerning the evaluation of the Chief Engineer.

The meeting provided an overview of the Board of Water Supply operations, focusing on the expanded WaterSensible rebate program for residential and commercial conservation. Results from the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey were reviewed, highlighting stakeholder perspectives on water service reliability, rates, and communication preferences. Additionally, the roadmap for the 2026 Water Master Plan update was outlined, detailing the schedule for technical evaluations, capital improvement planning, and financial strategies. The group also examined the risk-based prioritization process used for capital improvement projects and discussed watershed protection efforts and potential strategies for addressing emerging contaminants.

The Board of Directors held a budget workshop to review the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 operating and capital improvement program budget. Key topics included the 10% increase in the operating budget due to material, service, and storm recovery costs, the implementation of an 8.5% rate increase effective July 1, 2026, and the maintenance of the Board's AAA bond rating. The presentation covered debt service coverage, workforce recruitment and retention strategies, and specific capital improvement projects including monitoring wells related to the Red Hill fuel facility, permanent generator installations, and water main replacements.