Questions on Your Water Bill?

Earlier this year the Board of Water Supply (BWS) changed their billing cycle from bi-monthly to monthly. After this change, many households were sent estimated bills, some for several billing periods in a row.

Water bill complaints increase for Board of Water Supply (KITV)
http://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii/Water-bill-complaints-increase-for-Board-of-Water-Supply/-/8905354/21121982/-/cxjfeoz/-/index.html

BWS was also short staffed which had an impact on the accuracy of the billing due to a lack of auditors. They have since hired additional staff to assist with increased customer service demand.

Here’s a story of a family who received a bill over $900 after not being charged correctly during the estimated months:

Waimanalo family gets big bill despite no water leak (KHON)
http://www.khon2.com/2013/08/23/waimanalo-family-gets-big-bill-despite-no-water-leak/

At the City Council Meeting held on August 7, 2013, Resolution 13-177 was introduced, which initiates a proposed Charter Amendment.

YouTube – Board of Water Supply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFknPIM0Kfwhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXFknPIM0Kfw

BWS – Estimated Readings Information
http://www.hbws.org/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=125047

If adopted, the proposed Charter Amendment would allow the City Council to review and approve the Board of Water Supply’s operating and capital improvement budgets.

Resolution 13-177
http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-141345/RES13-177.htm

Please consider attending the September 11, 2013 Council meeting at Honolulu Hale to share your voice on Resolution 13-177. If you cannot attend, but would like to submit written testimony on this issue, you can send your testimony via email by contacting me at kmpine@honolulu.gov or by calling my office at 768-5001.

ttp://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e52c563264924a88d8d4d34c3&id=9e48e8f82c&e