Water Rate Meeting

SOURCE: Ken Taylor (taylork021@Hawaii.rr.com)
SUBHEAD: Community meetings and public hearing on Water Department’s proposed block threshold changes.  

[IB Editor's note: We apologize for the late notice. We were unaware of these meetings until notified late yesterday evening. Only the Kalaheo meeting is still coming up.]

   
Image above: Wailua Falls on Kauai at full throttle. From (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/25230201)

The public is invited to provide input on the Department of Water's proposed changes to its standard residential block thresholds at community meetings and a public hearing. Threshold is the term utilized to describe the consumer‟s range of use. Currently, there are three bi-monthly block thresholds for 5/8-inch meters: 20,000 gallons; 20,001 to 40,000 gallons; and over 40,000 gallons. The community meetings are scheduled as follows: 
• Tuesday, Jan. 19, 7 pm – Kapa Elementary School cafeteria
• Wednesday, Jan. 20, 7 pm – Wilcox Elementary School cafeteria
• Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 pm – Kalāeo Elementary School cafeteria 
The public hearing will be held during the Board of Water Supply monthly meeting on Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Department of Water headquarters in Līu'e, 4398 Pua Loke St., beginning at 10 am. Information regarding the current block thresholds can be found at www.kauaiwater.org under Rules and Regulations, Part IV, Fixing Rates for the Furnishing of Water Service. "We're considering shifting the block thresholds downward and adding a fourth block," said Manager and Chief Engineer David Craddick. He explained that the proposed block thresholds would result in the following changes:
 • Those who use less than 14,000 gallons of water on a bi-monthly basis would not be affected, and would continue to pay $3.20 per 1,000 gallons.
 • Those who consume more than 14,000 gallons but less than 32,000 gallons per billing period would be charged $4 per 1,000 gallons.
• Those who use more than 32,000 gallons but less than 35,000 per billing cycle would be charged $6 per 1,000 gallons.
• Those who use more than 35,000 gallons per billing period would be charged $6.25 per 1,000 gallons. 
"Wer'e hoping that our residents will monitor their water usage and increase their water conservation efforts," Craddick said. "This would keep their water consumption within the lowest block threshold, while preserving this precious resource for the future."

Although many Kaua'i residents have been making simple adjustments in their lifestyles to include water conservation measures, such as not running water continuously while washing a car, there are still a lot of other ways that water consumption can be reduced, said Craddick. Kaua'i's average residential monthly water usage is about 10,000 gallons, which is above the national norm of 7,500 gallons per month for homes without water saving devices and 6,720 gallons for homes that utilize water saving devices.

The proposed changes in the block thresholds are part of Water Plan 2020, a long range plan that identifies the improvements needed in order to continue to provide the community with safe, affordable and reliable water service in a sustainable and financially secure manner.

For water conservation tips or more information, please log on to the water department website, www.kauaiwater.org or call 245-5455 during business hours, 7:45 am to 4:30 pm.

 To request an American Sign Language interpreter, materials in an alternate format or an auxiliary aid, please call 245-5455 at least seven days before the public hearing.

Contact: Faith Shiramizu, public relations specialist
Phone: 245-5455 Fax: 246-8628
E-mail: fshiramizu@kauaiwater.org

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