Industrial toilet paper supply issues resulting in park bathroom modifications

News Release from Honolulu Parks and Recreation, July 29, 2022

O‘AHU – Due to supply chain issues resulting from increased production costs and reduced raw materials, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is experiencing a shortage of the industrial toilet paper commonly placed in City park bathrooms.

If possible, we ask park users to please bring in their own toilet paper for use in park bathrooms until DPR can secure a steadier supply of the industrial rolls. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your support as we work our way through this supply issue.

We urge the public to please not use “flushable” wipes, paper towels, or clothing as an alternative to toilet paper. These items do not breakdown in water like regular toilet paper and cause clogs, resulting in bathroom closures until the clog can be removed.

Remember, only two things should be flushed down the toilet: bodily waste and toilet paper.  

In addition to this public request, DPR staff are taking several measures in order to off-set the reduced toilet paper supply, including:

• Stocking bathrooms and modifying dispensers for trifold, napkin-style toilet paper and/or smaller household rolls.

• Coordinating amongst other City departments to inventory existing supplies and dispense accordingly.

• As a last resort, bathroom stalls or entire comfort stations (bathroom buildings) may be closed if no toilet paper supply is available.

DPR maintains approximately 216 comfort stations across O‘ahu, which utilize industrial toilet paper rolls that are different from the regular, household rolls sold at local stores and super markets.  

Currently DPR is receiving a fluctuating number of cases delivered at inconsistent times, creating a variable number of toilet paper cases available for park restrooms each week. For example, 106 cases of the industrial rolls are currently scheduled to be delivered for the first week of August.  However, the department may actually only receive 90 cases.   

The industrial roll shortage is compounded by the increased bathroom usage commonly experienced in public restrooms during summer months. During that time, DPR typically receives 270 cases of the industrial rolls a week. Outside of summer, that number drops to 180 cases a week.

Mahalo again to park users for their patience and understanding as we navigate through this shortage situation.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov

—PAU—