Tough Choices in Paradise: Capital Project Prioritization on Oahu

摘要

The Honolulu Board of Water Supply’s mission is Water for Life – Ka Wai Ola. Three main strategic objectives emanate from this mission: resource, economic, and organizational sustainability. Resource sustainability ensures the island’s natural groundwater supplies are protected and managed efficiently. Economic sustainability requires diversifying financial resources to support system operating and capital needs, while keeping water rates affordable. Organizational sustainability calls for a sound, well-structured, efficient organization with the tools and skills necessary to provide exceptional value to the island’s customers, communities, and watersheds. Capital planning and prioritization of system investments supports each of the Board’s strategic objectives. rnThe Board of Water Supply (the Board) serves Oahu residents and visitors via 162,886 customer accounts, pumping an average of 155 million gallons of water a day. In so doing, the Board operates and maintains a system of 70 groundwater well facilities (some with multiple wells), 165 storage facilities, and 2,037 miles of transmission and distribution lines across its potable, non-potable, and recycled water systems, as well as a recently developed seawater cooling facility and the Honouliuli water reclamation facility. The Board’s capital assets represent a substantial investment, made over several generations – and valued today at more than $1 billion. The capital planning process was undertaken to identify capital investments that represent the highest priority projects needed for the Board to continue providing high-quality services to customers and preserve and protect its system investment.