Notice of Public Hearing – Punaluu Water and Sanitation, LLC Rate Case (Docket No. 2025-0167)

Posted on Feb 25, 2025 in Announcements, Public Notice

The State of Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. online via Webex regarding Punaluu Water and Sanitation, LLC’s (“PWS”) application for a temporary rate increase and revisions to its rules, regulations, and rates. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and state their views on the application or submit written comments, which are further described below.

Public Hearing Information

Date & Time Utility Service Territory Location
March 20, 2025; 6:00 p.m. Hawaii Island – Punaluu Online via Webex

Webex Meeting Link:
Join the Meeting

Meeting Number: 2553 439 8611
Meeting Password: xmGhtYKe583

Join by Phone:
Dial-in Number: +1-650-479-3208
Access Code: 2553 439 8611

Special Assistance

If you require auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations due to a disability, please contact the Public Utilities Commission as soon as possible at (808) 586-2020 or [email protected]. Requests made early have a greater likelihood of being fulfilled.

Brief Summary of Application

Punaluu Water and Sanitation, LLC (“PWS”) is a public utility that provides water and sewer services to customers in the Punaluu area on Hawaii Island.

Through its application, PWS seeks Commission approval to increase annual revenue by approximately $617,415 (2,795% above revenue at current rates). The company’s proposed increases in rates and standby charges are as follows:

Proposed Rate Increases – Water Service

Rate Description Current Rate Proposed Rate Increase ($) Increase (%)
Fixed Charge by Meter Size        
5/8″ Meter $0.00 $45.00 $45.00 n/a
1″ Meter $0.00 $112.50 $112.50 n/a
4″ Meter $0.00 $3,262.50 $3,262.50 n/a
Volumetric Rate (per 1,000 gallons)        
Tier 1 – First 5,000 Equivalent Gallons $0.75 $8.55 $7.80 1,040%
Tier 2 – Over 5,000 Equivalent Gallons $0.75 $15.40 $14.65 1,953%

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.

Proposed Rate Increases – Sewer Service

Rate Description Current Rate Proposed Rate Increase ($) Increase (%)
Fixed Charge by Meter Size        
5/8″ Meter – $75.00 $75.00 n/a
1″ Meter – $187.50 $187.50 n/a
4″ Meter – $5,437.50 $5,437.50 n/a
Volumetric Rate (per 1,000 gallons)        
All Gallons $0.375 $13.720 $13.345 3,559%

Note 3: PWS’s current sewer charges are based on 50% of charges for water consumption, resulting in an effective rate of $0.375 per 1,000 gallons.

Other Proposed Tariff Amendments

PWS also seeks modifications to its Rules and Regulations, including:

  • Rule V: Increasing the deposit requirement from $25.00 (earning 6% interest) to $50.00 with no accrued interest.
  • Rule XVII: Raising the restoration of water service charge from $25.00 to $50.00 (during regular hours) and from $50.00 to $75.00 (after hours).
  • Water Rate Schedule: Removing the monthly charge for irrigation services.

The Commission will investigate whether the proposed rate increases and tariff changes are justified based on probable entitlement and financial need.

For the full Application and related documents, visit the DOCUMENTS tab for Docket No. 2025-0167 at the PUC Case and Document Management System.

Public Comments and Statements

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and share their views on the application.

Comments During the Hearing:

Individuals wishing to give oral comments may register at the time of the hearing. Submission of written comments in addition to oral comments is encouraged.

Written Comments:

  • Reference Docket No. 2025-0167.
  • Include your name and organization (if applicable).
  • Submit via:

MORE INFORMATION:

For up-to-date information on this proceeding, visit the Commission’s website:
PUC Case: 2025-0167

If you have questions regarding this meeting, please contact the Commission at (808) 586-2020 or [email protected].

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 must be filed with the Commission by March 31, 2025.