City proposes first sewer fee increases since 2016 to fund wastewater operations, improvements

News Release from City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services, October 23, 2024

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) announced Wednesday a plan to increase sewer fees over a ten year period, beginning July 1, 2025. The fee increases – which are the first proposed rate increases since 2016 – are essential to fund critical improvements to the city’s wastewater infrastructure, ensure operations continue to meet regulatory requirements, and protect both public health and the environment.

The rate increases start with a 9% annual adjustment for the first six years, followed by smaller increases of 8%, 7%, 6%, and 5% in the final four years. These gradual increases result in a total increase of 115% over the ten-year period.

The additional fees will support rising operation and maintenance costs, as well as multiple upcoming necessary construction projects, including the completion of the $2.5 billion upgrade of the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to full secondary treatment — a required project under the City’s 2010 federal consent decree. The fee increases will also fund necessary repairs and upgrades to modernize O‘ahu’s aging wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure, including projects to prepare the City’s wastewater infrastructure for climate change and sea-level rise.

“We understand the financial strain that these rate increases may cause for our residents, but these adjustments are critical for the long-term sustainability of our island’s wastewater system,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “By investing in these infrastructure upgrades today, we are safeguarding public health, protecting our environment, and ensuring that O‘ahu is prepared for the future challenges of climate change. These improvements are essential for our community’s well-being.”

To help offset the impact on low-income households, ENV will launch the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services (CARES) program. Households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI) may qualify for a monthly credit of  $20 to $25 on their fixed sewer charge.

Additionally, ENV will be adjusting sewer fee structure to give customers greater control over the amount of their bill. Over the next four years, the current 70/30 fixed-to-volumetric fee ratio will gradually shift to a 50/50 ratio. This shift to a greater amount of the fee based upon water usage will allow customers to pay significantly lower fees if they reduce their water use. For more information on the sewer fee increase, the CARES program, or to view projected rates, please visit http://honolulu.gov/env/sewer-fee-rates.

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