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Future

of the

Water System

For fifty years the The Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports (HDOT-A) has operated and maintained the water system at the airfield as part of its lease with the Army. Yet, HDOT-A cannot continue to manage the water system because it constitutes a Diversion of Federal Funds. If new management of the water system is not in place by June 30th 2024 DOT-A will not sign a new lease. If they do not sign a new lease all the land, including the primary infrastructure for the water system, will revert to the Army. The Army similarly cannot use funds intended for the nations defense to operate the water system because the Army does not currently require water from the system. The Army has stated that if HDOT-A does not renew their lease, The Army intends to cap the well.

What is a Water Association?

A Non-Profit Water Association is similar to a Home Owners Association. A cooperative group of water users that contribute to a group fund in order to pay for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the system as well as a reserve fund for future capitol improvements. These contributions will primarily take the shape of a fees tied to water usage quantities. Initial estimates that those fees will be between $12-15 per 1,000 gallons used, with a monthly meter charge.

For comparison the Hawaii Board of Water rates on July 1st 2024 will be $13.67 per 1,000 gallons and a meter charge of $52.57 for 2” meters.

The Water Association would have rates set by a board of directors. It would contract a water operator to maintain the system. It would either employ or contract a property management company to bill users of the system.

What are the Next Steps?

  1. First the water users must solicit an attorney(s) to form the Non-profit Water Association.

  2. Once the Water Association has been formed it will apply to the Army for a license to operate the system.

  3. Next the Water Association needs complete a Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Capacity Study. The purpose of this study is to verify the new entity has the technical, managerial and financial capability to take responsibility for a water system. This process takes at lease a month, and probably 2-3.

  4. Last the water association will take formal ownership of the system from the Army through licensing, engage a firm to operate the system, and begin charging users.