New water rates are now in effect for the Waikōloa area.
The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission approved the rate increase for Hawaii Water Service, a subsidiary of California Water Service Group to increase annual revenue by $4.7 million across the five systems that make up its Waikoloa service area, and to adjust water and wastewater rates accordingly.
This increase in annual revenue is necessary to account for investments made to maintain and strengthen the Waikōloa Resort and Village water and wastewater systems, inflation, and operating cost increases, according to a news release from the California Water Service Group.
Residential and non-residential customers will see an increase of 47.89% for monthly water usage on 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch meters from $12.07 to $19.67.
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The rate increase application was submitted to the commission in July 2024.
The last general rate increase for Hawai‘i Water Service was approved in January 2019 and was implemented in three phases over two years.
Hawai‘i Water Service, also doing business as Waikōloa Utilities, provides wastewater service to condominiums, hotels and commercial establishments within the Waikōloa Beach Resort area.
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The utility also provides collection and treatment service within Waikōloa Village. It operates two wastewater treatment plants: Waikōloa Auwaiakeakea Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The utility also provides irrigation service to two golf courses.
In the decision, the commission also approved a fixed charge for non-residential water system customers for conservation-related activities.
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Since the utility company’s last general rate increase, its operating costs have increased due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, capital investment in plant and increases in operating and maintenance expenses, according to documents filed with the commission.
In total, Hawai‘i Water has invested approximately $33 million in its Waikōloa systems since its last rate adjustment in 2019 by completing numerous capital investment projects to help provide safe, reliable service, including:
Almost $17 million for drinking water well and sewer pump station improvements, along with backup power generators, to improve supply and system reliability—even during power interruptions.
More than $8 million in transmission and distribution pipelines to reduce leaks and increase reliability.
Almost $8 million for water and wastewater treatment plant improvements to continue meeting water quality and environmental standards, and increase treatment capacity.
“We take our responsibility to provide safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater service to our Waikoloa Resort and Village customers seriously, while working to protect the environment,” said Marty Kropelnicki, Group Chairman and CEO. “Making proactive infrastructure upgrades and maintenance, along with operating efficiently, are important to fulfilling that duty and keeping costs affordable in the long term. This enables us to provide quality, service, and value to our customers.”