Department of Water Supply, County of Hawai'i

The public hearing was held to receive comments and testimony regarding a proposed amendment to the Power Cost Charge. The Department of Water Supply recommended a decrease in the Power Cost Charge from $2.84 to $2.53 per thousand gallons to account for the excess of power costs recovered since the last rate determination. The hearing included a review of the legal authority for setting such rates under the Hawai'i Revised Statutes and provided an opportunity for public comment.

The board meeting addressed various strategic, financial, and operational matters. Key topics included a strategic and business plan update, a proposed decrease in power cost charges, and the approval of contracts for infrastructure repairs and maintenance, including the Haina Boosters and the Kahaluʻu Shaft inclined lift. The board also handled the dedication of water systems, discussed budget proposals for operating and capital improvement projects, and approved the renewal of maintenance agreements. Additionally, the board authorized a subcontract for energy resilience planning and discussed alternative procurement strategies for services where no bids were received. The meeting also included an update regarding the standardizing of agricultural use rates for water.

The public hearing was held to discuss the proposed 2027 operating budget and the five-year capital improvements budget for the Department of Water Supply. The Chairperson opened the floor for public comments or testimony, but none were registered or provided.

The agenda covers several operational and administrative items, including a proposal to decrease the Power Cost Charge, the awarding of various contracts for sludge removal at the Waimea Water Treatment Plant, the procurement of chemicals for water treatment, and the repair and maintenance of treatment plant equipment and emergency standby generator sets. Additional items include the approval of the Department’s Fiscal Year 2027 Operating and Capital Improvement Projects budgets, a subaward agreement for a watershed protection project with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, review of financial statements, and an executive session regarding a personal injury claim.

The Board approved a contract change order for motor repairs at Lālāmilo A Deepwell and an increase in contingency funds for discharge piping materials at Kahaluʻu Shaft due to federal tariffs. A resolution was adopted to authorize the receipt and expenditure of up to $25,000,000 in Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for capital improvement projects. Additionally, the Board reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and five-year capital improvement budgets, discussed monthly financial statements and progress reports, and received updates on North Kona well operations, resilience strategies, and repair efforts following a recent Kona Low weather event. The meeting concluded with a site visit to the Kahaluʻu Shaft.