HILO, HAWAI’I — The Water Board of the County of Hawai’i has announced a public hearing to consider a proposed adjustment to the current Power Cost Charge. The hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 9:45 a.m. at the Department of Water Supply’s Hilo Operations, located at 889 Leilani Street, Hilo.
The proposal seeks to decrease the Power Cost Charge from the current rate of $3.04 per thousand gallons to $2.32 per thousand gallons. This adjustment reflects a reduction in power costs from various sources and, if approved, will take effect on the first day of the month following the Board’s decision.
The public hearing is intended to provide an opportunity for community members to express their views on the proposed rate change. Interested parties can present their comments either orally at the hearing or in writing via email, fax, or mail. Written submissions can be sent to dws@hawaiidws.org, faxed to (808) 961-8657, or mailed to 345 Kekuanao’a Street, Suite 20, Hilo, HI 96720.
For those unable to attend in person, remote oral testimony can be given by phone by dialing 1 (669) 254-5252 and entering the meeting ID 160 432 5916. Additionally, participants who prefer to provide testimony via an online video link must request access by emailing the department at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.
In case of technical issues during the online remote connection, the hearing will recess for up to 30 minutes to resolve the problem. If unresolved, the hearing will adjourn and reconvene the following day, January 29, at the same time and location.
For those requiring special accommodations or auxiliary services, the Water Board encourages early contact at (808) 961-8050 to ensure all participants can fully engage in the hearing.
Further details about the hearing and the Water Board are available on their official website. The hearing will also be live-streamed on the department’s Facebook page.
Date: January 28, 2025
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Department of Water Supply, Hilo Operations, 889 Leilani Street, Hilo, Hawai’i
Live Stream: Hawai’i DWS Facebook Live
This public hearing offers a critical platform for residents to contribute to the decision-making process concerning water utility costs in Hawai’i County.
