Scott Suga

The Board meeting included several key actions. The agenda was approved without objection. The minutes from the December 18, 2025 Regular Board meeting were received for the record. New business involved the confirmation of Board Committee Appointments for 2026. A discussion and possible action regarding an annual Use and Occupancy Permit No. 945 with the State of Hawai'i was deferred following a recusal by one Board member. The Board approved Manager's Report No. 26-23 concerning a Grant of Easement for Kuanoe O Kōloa. Furthermore, the Board voted to allow the Department to proceed with public feedback on Rate Scenario 1 for the proposed 5-year rate structure (FY 2027-2031), following a detailed presentation and recap of the Rate Study, focusing on achievable Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) under that scenario. Staff reports covered Fiscal, Operations, Engineering (including CIP project highlights), and Administration updates. The Board also held an Executive Session.

This document outlines the Kaua'i Department of Water's Water Systems Investment Plan, designed to secure the future of its water systems over the next two decades. The plan addresses critical needs such as supporting community growth, developing resilient systems against disasters and climate change, upgrading aging infrastructure, and ensuring clean, safe water with regulatory compliance. It identifies over 150 projects, prioritizing 70 projects estimated at $680 million for the next 20 years, based on a comprehensive assessment of current conditions and future demands.

This document outlines the Kauaʻi Department of Water's Water Systems Investment Plan, detailing the need for significant infrastructure investment to achieve its mission of providing safe, affordable, and sufficient drinking water. The plan addresses challenges such as aging infrastructure, community growth, and the need for resilient systems against disasters and climate change. It identifies over 150 projects, with 70 prioritized for the next 20 years, estimated to cost $680 million, to ensure clean, safe, high-quality water and regulatory compliance.

The meeting agenda includes call to order, roll call, announcements, and approval of the agenda. Key discussions involve the approval of previous meeting minutes, specifically the Regular Board Meeting from January 20, 2026, and the Executive Session from January 20, 2026. New business features the discussion and adoption of resolutions honoring three employees as the 2025 Employee of the Year recipients. Furthermore, several Manager's Reports address requests for Board Approval regarding indemnification provisions and unspecified future obligations in agreements for facility usage at Kilauea Elementary School, Ka Waiwai ma Kapa'a at Kalukalu, Anahola Neighborhood Center, Kekaha Neighborhood Center, Lihue Neighborhood Center, Waimea Neighborhood Center, and Koloa Neighborhood Center. Other items include approval for a Right-of-Entry Agreement for the Pu'u Pane 1.0 MG Tank Project, a land exchange involving the Kukuiolono Park Trust Estate, and requests for indemnification approvals for Autodesk, Inc. and Dashlane, Inc. Staff reports cover updates from Fiscal, Operations, Engineering (including CIP Project Highlights), and Administration.

This Water Systems Investment Plan outlines the strategic direction for the Kaua'i Department of Water. Its mission is to ensure safe, affordable, and sufficient drinking water for the people of Kaua'i through wise resource management and excellent customer service. The plan addresses critical needs such as supporting community growth, developing resilient systems against disasters and climate change, upgrading aging infrastructure, and ensuring high-quality, compliant water. It prioritizes 70 projects over the next 20 years with an estimated cost of $680 million, aiming to enhance the water system's capacity and reliability.