City announces next five town hall meetings on proposed sewer fee increases

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, December 2, 2024

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) invites the public to participate in the next five town hall meetings to discuss proposed sewer fee increases set to take effect July 1, 2025. These meetings aim to inform residents about the rationale behind the fee adjustments, the extent of the increases, a proposed customer assistance program, and to provide an opportunity for questions and feedback.

At the first town hall meeting, held in Kapolei Nov. 18, 2024, residents learned about the city’s wastewater program, the proposed fee increases, and participated in a Q&A. ENV encourages the community to continue participating in the upcoming sessions.

Upcoming Town Hall Schedule:

Tuesday, Dec. 3: Neal S. Blaisdell Center, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. in the Oʻahu Room
Tuesday, Dec. 10: Kailua District Park, 5:30–7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Mililani District Park, 5:30–7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3: ʻĀina Haina Community Park, 5:30–7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 6: Kalanianaʻole Beach Park, 5:30–7 p.m. in the craft room

ENV is proposing to increase sewer fees annually for the next 10 years – by 9% over the first six years starting July 1, 2025, followed by smaller annual increases of 8%, 7%, 6%, and 5% over the subsequent four years. These adjustments amount to a total increase of 115% over a 10-year period and are necessary to address rising operational costs and fund critical projects within ENV’s $10.1 billion Capital Improvement Program, scheduled from 2025 to 2040.

To mitigate the impact on low-income households, ENV plans to launch the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services (CARES) program. Eligible households earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI) may qualify for monthly credits of $20 to $25 on their fixed sewer charges.

For additional information about the proposed sewer fee increases, the CARES program, or to view detailed projections, please visit ENV’s website.

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