Question: There’s a cheaper ag rate for water for commercial farmers but not for garden co-ops that are feeding the hungry without charging anything. How can we change this?
Answer: We followed up with the Honolulu Board of Water Supply to see whether gardeners who grow food and give it away (as opposed to selling it) could apply for the cheaper agricultural water rate.
Information officer Kathleen M. Pahinui confirmed that only commercial farmers can receive the agricultural water rate under the current rate structure. “This would include the water they use for farming and one dwelling,” she said. “They may also be subject to water system facilities charges.”
Pahinui said the BWS will be reviewing its rate structure in 2017 and “can certainly look at” the option you suggested. “However, if BWS were to offer an agricultural rate to noncommercial farmers, a separate meter, along with any necessary piping, would most likely have to be installed at the owner’s expense,” she said. “This would keep residential water use separate from agricultural water use in order to properly measure agricultural water for billing purposes.”
She also noted that “BWS receives its operating revenue from ratepayers — we do not receive any funding for our operations from the city. It is important to remember that lower rates for one segment results in the other ratepayers subsidizing this lower rate. When we do our cost of service for the various ratepayers categories, we need to balance this fact with what is affordable for everyone.”
Under the current rate structure, single-family residential and agricultural users pay the same rate for the first 13,000 gallons of water used per billing cycle ($4.42 per 1,000 gallons). The cost of usage above that amount rises for residential users (to $5.33 or $7.94 per 1,000 gallons, depending on the amount used) and falls for agricultural ones (to $1.89 per 1,000 gallons). Nonresidential users pay $4.96 per 1,000 gallons regardless of amount. You can find this and other rate information on the board’s website, at 808ne.ws/2dbBdJc.
To obtain the agricultural rate, customers must submit a written application each fiscal year, along with supporting documentation showing that they are “actively engaged in crop production, stock raising or dairy farming on a commercial basis.” Once all the documents are received, a field investigation is scheduled, according to the application.
A reader’s suggestion
In reference to Kokua Line on Oct. 14 (808ne.ws/2fqqRNX), “Bicyclists required to use lights, reflectors at night.” I heartily agree with this law, and in addition, I propose that bicycles be equipped with a bell as opposed to a horn — which may startle some, especially the elderly — to warn pedestrians to step out of danger. My elderly brother was knocked down by a bicyclist riding illegally on the sidewalk, and the bicyclist did not even stop to give assistance. My hope is that the bicycle association will consider this safety suggestion. — A concerned citizen
Auwe
Auwe to the person who let a shopping cart roll into my car, which was parked in the handicapped stall because I have a disability. My car was dented and scratched. You went to your truck and took off, which was a cowardly thing to do. — Distressed reader
Mahalo
Mahalo to the Lions Club and volunteers from other groups that I see out helping patch sidewalks, remove graffiti and spruce up the community. We owe a lot to these folks, who spend their Saturdays fixing up our neighborhoods. — Grateful reader
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
