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WATER BOARD DEFERS RATE HIKE, ADOPTS $220.2 MILLION BUDGET

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) deferred a scheduled hike in water rates and adopted a new $220.2 million budget for the coming fiscal year starting July 1, 2001.

Deputy Manager and Chief Engineer Donna Kiyosaki testified that revenues raised from existing rates will be sufficient to cover the cost of operating the island's water system for the year ahead.

Kiyosaki said $89.7 million has been budgeted for operating expenditures, $66.7 million for research and facility improvement program (RFIP), and $63.8 million for capital improvement projects (CIP).

“Aggregate budget totals represent a decrease of $16.8 million or 7.1 percent below funding levels for the current fiscal year,” Kiyosaki said. “Projected revenues from all current sources and a modest carry-over balance from this year will allow us to again freeze rates at current levels and still provide an adequate unappropriated reserve.”

RFIP funding will go primarily toward upgrading infrastructure around Oahu, including such areas as Ala Moana, St. Louis Heights, Kalihi, Aiea, Kaimuki, Hawaii Kai, Waikiki, Punchbowl, Wilhelmina Rise, Pauoa and Palolo.

The CIP budget will fund design and construction of expansion of the Honouliuli Recycled Water Ammonia Treatment Facility, land acquisition and construction of the Nanakuli 242 Reservoir, renovation of the Ewa Shaft, construction of a 42-inch transmission main along Vineyard Boulevard, and construction of new water mains along Farrington Highway.

Contact:: Denise De Costa at 527-6148