The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has announced a proposal to more than double sewer fees over a 10-year period, starting on July 1, 2025. The rates will increase by 9% per year from 2025 to 2030, then gradually decrease to 5% by 2034. This will result in a total increase of 115% over the 10-year period. The increased fees will fund operation and maintenance costs, construction projects, and upgrades to Oahu’s wastewater treatment facilities, including the completion of a $2.5 billion upgrade to the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
To help offset costs for low-income households, ENV will launch the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services program, providing a monthly credit of $20 to $25 for those earning less than 80% of the area median income. Additionally, ENV will adjust how sewer fees are calculated, transitioning to a 50/50 fixed-to-volumetric ratio over the next four years to allow households that use less water to save more money.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi emphasized the importance of these rate increases for the long-term sustainability of the island’s wastewater system, safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and preparing for the challenges of climate change. The proposal will now go to the Honolulu City Council for approval.
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