City unveils new online tool to help residents save on upcoming sewer rate increases   

News Release from Department of Environmental Services by Jenny Boneza-Solatorio, October 7, 2025

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is launching its “Use Less, Pay Less” campaign, rolling out new resources to help residents prepare for upcoming sewer rate changes taking effect January 1, 2026. Under the new structure, the base rate will decrease while the volumetric (usage-based) rate will increase—giving customers more control over their monthly bills. Simply put: “Use Less, Pay Less.”

“We want residents to know they have the power to manage their costs,” said Director of Environmental Services Roger Babcock. “Our new online calculator and water-saving tips make it easy for everyone to plan ahead and save.”

The sewer rate increase in January, marks the first rate adjustment since 2016. Sewer fees fund the essential operation, maintenance, and upgrades of the island’s wastewater treatment facilities—keeping our communities healthy and protecting the environment. ENV’s efficient spending has kept sewer fees down but additional revenue is now required for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). ENV’s CIP will cost $10.1 billion between 2025 and 2040.

To help residents plan ahead, ENV has launched a new online Sewer Bill Estimator tool. The interactive tool lets customers estimate their future bill and see how conservation can reduce their costs.

Residents can find easy ways to save water:

• Fix leaks promptly—small drips add up fast.

• Turn off the tap while brushing or scrubbing dishes.

• Run full loads in washers and dishwashers.

• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances for rebates.

ENV is also developing the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services (CARES) Program to provide financial relief to families in need. The program is designed to assist households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), a standard by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to determine income eligibility for various assistance programs. AMI is calculated annually and varies by household size and location.

The goal is to give qualified residents a discount of up to $20 off the fixed monthly sewer fee on their bill.

C.A.R.E.S. is being created to offset the rising cost of essential services and to ensure no one is left struggling to make ends meet. ENV is working to move the process forward as quickly as possible, but a confirmed start date has not yet been determined.

The “Use Less, Pay Less” campaign helps Honolulu residents save money through conservation because every drop counts toward a more sustainable Oʻahu and a lower bill.

For more information, visit our Sewer Rate Information Page here or call (808) 768-3330