WAIKOLOA, HI — The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced a public hearing for February 10, 2025, to gather community input on the proposed rate increase by Waikoloa Resort Utilities, Inc. (doing business as West Hawaii Utility Company), Waikoloa Sanitary Sewer Company, Inc. (doing business as West Hawaii Sewer Company), and Waikoloa Water Co., Inc. (doing business as West Hawaii Water Company). The hearing will address the companies’ request for approval of an 8.01% rate of return on their system improvements and certain tariff changes.

The public hearing will take place at 6:00 p.m. at Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School, located at 68-1730 Hooko Street, Waikoloa, HI 96738. The hearing will also be accessible remotely via WebEx for those unable to attend in person. Interested individuals can join online using the following link: WebEx Link, or dial in at +1-650-479-3208 with access code 255 362 49377.

In its amended application, filed on December 17, 2024, Waikoloa Utilities seeks approval for significant revenue increases across its various services. The proposed changes include:

• West Hawaii Water Company (WHWC): A 67.9% increase in revenue, totaling $1,876,050
• West Hawaii Sewer Company (WHSC): A 55.3% increase, amounting to $1,242,020
• West Hawaii Utility Company (WHUC) – Water: A 30.0% increase, totaling $1,543,408
• WHUC – Sewer: A 12.0% increase, amounting to $635,062
• WHUC – Irrigation: A decrease of 9.2%, totaling a reduction of $31,040

Additionally, Waikoloa Utilities proposes two tariff changes, including a “surcredit” to return over-collected income tax expenses related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and a surcharge to recover deferred COVID-19-related expenses.

The Commission will review whether these proposed increases and changes are just and reasonable. Residents and businesses in the Waikoloa area are encouraged to attend and provide feedback during the public hearing.

Copies of the application and related documents are available for public review through the Commission’s Case and Document Management System online at HPUC website, under Docket Number 2024-0224. For additional information or accommodations for disabilities, individuals may contact the Commission at (808) 586-2020.

Written statements can be submitted to the PUC via email at puc@hawaii.gov or mailed to the Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King Street, Room 103, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. All comments should reference Docket No. 2024-0224. Motions to intervene or participate must be filed by February 20, 2025.

For more information, contact the Public Utilities Commission or the Division of Consumer Advocacy at (808) 586-2800.