NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
APPLICATION OF PUNALUU WATER AND SANITATION, LLC
FOR APPROVAL OF A TEMPORARY RATE INCREASE AND REVISED RULES, REGULATIONS, AND RATES.
Docket No. 2025-0167
The STATE OF HAWAII PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION ("Commission"), pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §§ 269-12 and 269-16, HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will hold a public hearing regarding
the Application of Punaluu Water and Sanitation LLC (“PWS”) for Commission approval of a
temporary rate increase, filed on February 14, 2025 (“Application”). The public hearing will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Online (via Webex mobile device app)
Link:
https://hpuc.my.webex.com/hpuc.my/j.php?MTID=m9296f6f2fcd93fdef92bba21526bdc3f
Meeting number: 2553 439 8611
Password: xmGhtYKe583
Telephone
Dial-in Number: +1-650-479-3208
Access code: 2553 439 8611
PWS is a public utility that provides water and sewer services to customers in the Punaluu area on Hawaii Island. PWS proposes to increase its annual revenue by approximately $617,415 (2,795% above revenue at current rates), pursuant to the following increases in rates and standby charges.
PWS’s present and proposed rates as well as the proposed dollar increase in rates are as follows:
Line Present Rate Proposed Rates
No. Rate Description (Note 1) (Note 2) Increase – $ Increase – %
(a) (b) (c) (d) = (c) – (b) (e) = (d) ÷ (b)
1 Fixed Charge by Meter Size
2 5/8" Meter $ – $ 45.00 $ 45.00 n/a
3 1" Meter – 112.50 112.50 n/a
4 4" Meter – 3,262.50 3,262.50 n/a
5 Volumetric Rate/1,000 Gallons
6 Tier 1 – First 5,000 Equivalent
Gallons $ 0.75 $ 8.55 $ 7.80 1040%
7 Tier 2 – Over 5,000
Equivalent Gallons $ 0.75 $ 15.40 $ 14.65 1953%
Note 1: While there is no fixed charge in PWS’s current rate structure, a minimum charge based on meter size starting at $5.00 is applied.
Note 2: Tier 2 rates begin at 5,000, 12,500, and 362,000 gallons for 5/8″, 1″, and 4″ meters respectively.
Line Present Rate
No. Rate Description (Note 3) Proposed Rates Increase – $ Increase – %
(a) (b) (c) (d) = (c) – (b) (e) = (d) ÷ (b)
1 Fixed Charge by Meter Size
2 5/8" Meter $ – $ 75.00 $ 75.00 n/a
3 1" Meter – 187.50 187.50 n/a
4 4" Meter – 5,437.50 5,437.50 n/a
5 Volumetric Rate/1,000 Gallons
6 All Gallons $ 0.375 $ 13.720 $ 13.345 3559%
Note 3: PWS’s current sewer charges are based on at 50% of charges for water consumption. This results in an effective rate of $0.375 per thousand gallons.
As part of its Application, PWS also requests the Commission approve certain revisions or modifications to its Rules and Regulations, as set forth in the PWS Tariff, which include the following:
1. Increasing the amount of the deposit required under Rule V from $25.00 (earning 6% simple interest) to $50.00 without accruing interest.
2. Increasing the amount of the charge under Rule XVII for restoration of water service during regular working hours from $25.00 to $50.00 and the charge for restoration of water service other than during regular working hours from $50.00 to $75.00.
3. Removing the monthly amount charged for irrigation services under the Water Rate Schedule.
The Commission will investigate whether the Applicant has demonstrated that the proposed relief is justified based on probable entitlement and financial need. The foregoing is a brief summary of the requests included in the Application. Copies of the Application are available for public review through the Commission’s electronic Case and Document Management System, accessible at https://hpuc.my.site.com/cdms/s/search, Docket Number 2025-0167.
In addition, copies of the Application are also available for review by contacting the Commission’s Hawaii District Office at (808) 974-4533, the Honolulu Office at (808) 586-2020, or the Division of Consumer Advocacy at (808) 586-2800. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Commission’s Honolulu office at (808) 586-2020 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate/accessible formats.
All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing to state their views on the Application. Statements may also be submitted online on the Commission’s public comments portal at https://hpuc.my.site.com/cdms/s/consumers/public-comments, e-mailed to the Public Utilities Commission at puc@hawaii.gov, or mailed to the Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King Street, Room 103, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. All written statements should reference Docket No. 2025-0167.
Motions to Intervene or Participate in this proceeding shall comply with subchapter 4, Rules of Practice and Procedure Before the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 16, Chapter 601.
A motion to intervene or participate in this proceeding shall be filed with the Commission’s Honolulu Office by March 31, 2025.
______________________________
Leodoloff R. Asuncion, Jr.
Chair
(WHT1485422 2/27, 3/06, 3/13, 3/19/25)
