Water Rates Climb on Maui

Proposal would hike sewer rates as well

WAILUKU – Residents and commercial users would see another hike in sewer fees this year, under rates proposed for the 2008 county budget by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Management.

The rate adjustment, around 20 percent for most users, is the latest in a series of step increases meant to gradually bring sewer revenues up to the level where they will cover the actual costs of running the system, said Wastewater Reclamation Division Chief Dave Taylor. County sewer facilities were built largely with federal subsidies, keeping user fees artificially low for many years, he said.

“We’re looking at noticeable rate increases for at least the next decade,” he said.

Residential users would pay a monthly base charge of $21 under the new rates, up from the current $18. Usage fees would be $2.85 per 1,000 gallons, up from $2.25.

Communities not on the county water system, including Kaanapali, Lanai and Kualapuu, Molokai, would pay a flat monthly fee of $42 per single-family home (up from $34.50) and $35.25 for condos (up from $29).

The monthly base charge for nonresidential users would be $11.50, up from $9.50.

Usage rates for customers without separate irrigation meters would be $4.05 per 1,000 gallons for commercial users (up from $3.62), $5.85 for hotels (up from $5.10) and $7.05 for industrial and restaurant users (up from $6.12).

Rates for customers with irrigation meters would be $5.40 for commercial users (up from $4.50), $7.70 for hotels (up from $6.40), and $9.20 for industrial and restaurant users (up from $7.65).

Irrigation meters separate water used for landscaping, and customers are not charged sewer fees for that water.

The Maui County Council is reviewing taxes, rates and fees proposed in Mayor Charmaine Tavares’ 2007-08 budget plan