News Releases

See 2019 news releases and media advisories from the Board of Water Supply.


  • Traffic Advisory: Pensacola Street Project Resumes January 8

    Beginning January 8, 2020, Board of Water Supply (BWS) contractor, MEI Corporation, will resume construction activities on Pensacola Street, between Young Street and Kinau Street.

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  • Box Drain Repair on School Street

    On January 6, Board of Water Supply (BWS) contractor, Hawaii Works, Inc., is scheduled to start box drain repairs on School Street between Pali Highway and Nuuanu Avenue.

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  • Da Bug Doctor (Green Pest Control) Workshop

    Sponsored by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG). We are excited to present a workshop that deters bugs by using everyday household supplies!

    READ MORE >

  • Xeric Mini Zen Garden Workshop

    Create a small area of serenity and nature on your countertop that incorporates xeric plants. This hands-on workshop is sponsored by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) and will have participants assemble their your very own desktop xeric contemporary mini zen garden to help evoke feelings of calmness and peace.

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  • Lunalilo Home Road Water System Improvements Project

    Mega Construction, Inc., the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) contractor for the Lunalilo Home Road Water System Improvements project is scheduled to begin work on December 9. The renewal of the water system will improve water service reliability for customers in the area.

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  • Halawa Xeriscape Garden Closure Dates for Holiday Season

    The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) Halawa Xeriscape Garden will be closed to the general public on Saturday, December 14, 21 & 28, 2019, Wednesday, December 11 & 25, 2019, and Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

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  • Xeric Seed of the Month

    The month of November and December features Coral Plant or Jatropha podagrica. It is used as a landscape ornamental, in areas where a pop of color is needed. Its vibrant blossoms attract beneficial pollinators. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

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  • How to Create a Xeric Butterfly Garden Workshop

    Butterflies and xeric plants are important partners in garden and landscape sustainability. An informative workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) instructs participants on how to identify and use unthirsty plants to attract butterflies and why their symbiotic relationship can benefit a garden or landscape’s sustainability.

    READ MORE >

  • Recycled Drawer Garden Nook Workshop

    Create a personalized and functional garden nook from a recycled wooden drawer! Fill your garden nook with drought tolerant plants that will not need frequent watering once established.

    READ MORE >

  • Whimsical Reusable Owl Planter (Eco-Craft) Workshop

    Create a planter from a recycled milk jug and minimize waste that goes to a landfill! You can even start your succulents for landscapes in these creative containers. A hands-on workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) will show you how to create a cute owl planter.

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  • Water Service Line Replacement Project in Kunia

    Integrated Construction, Inc., the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) contractor for a project to install 265 new water service lines for customers in Kunia is scheduled to begin work on October 21, 2019.

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  • Xeric Seed of the Month

    The month of October features the Spider Plant starter plants also known as Chlorophytum Comosum.

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  • Rain Barrel Water Catchment Workshop

    An informational workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) explains how collecting rain water reduces the amount of drinking water used for irrigating landscapes. Participants will learn about rain barrel catchment systems, important construction points, installation, and effective maintenance techniques.

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  • Oahu Residents Asked to "Imagine A Day Without Water" on October 23

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS) and the City’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV), Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), and Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (Resilience Office) are working together to encourage Oahu residents to “Imagine A Day Without Water” on Wed., Oct. 23, 2019.

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  • Halawa Xeriscape Garden Closure Dates for October

    The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) Halawa Xeriscape Garden will be closed to the public for maintenance work on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. The garden will be open to the public during normal hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on all other Wednesdays and Saturdays in the month of October.

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  • Painting Bamboo (A Paint in the Garden Workshop)

    The first of our “Paint in the Garden,” Series for this new workshop schedule is a fun-filled, NO PAINTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED workshop!

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  • Fire Hydrant Installation Project in Kailua

    MEI Corporation, Inc., the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) contractor for a project to install 59 new fire hydrants in Kailua is scheduled to begin work on October 1, 2019.

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  • Economical Aquaponics Workshop

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS), Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG), and HappyPonics Farms are pleased to offer an Economical Aquaponics workshop. Participants will learn about water conservation and how to produce organic food in their own backyard or lanai.

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  • Fancy Funnels

    Create a functionally artful planter from recycled wood and funnels! Yes, funnels! This hands-on workshop is sponsored by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) and will show you how to create a vertical or horizontal mini funnel planter.

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of September 2019

    The month of September features Pregnant Onion bulb also known as Albuca brecteata is an ornamental that grows about 36 to 48 inches tall and blooms late spring to early summer. 

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  • Backyard Composting: Nature's Recycling

    This informative workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) and the City and County of Honolulu Environmental Services will teach you the basics of backyard composting using resources from your own yard and leftovers from your table!

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  • BWS to Start Using Hawaii e-Procurement System (HePS)

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is moving all its notifications for competitive sealed bids and proposals from its BWS Procurement Website to the Hawaii e-Procurement System (HePS), starting September 3, 2019. This move applies only to BWS sealed bids and proposals for goods, services, and construction; BWS notices for sole source, exemption, and professional services contracts will continue on the agency’s Procurement website.

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  • Da Bug Doctor (Green Pest Control) Workshop

    Sponsored by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG). We are excited to present a workshop that deters bugs by using everyday household supplies!

    READ MORE >

  • BWS Held 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale

    The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) held the 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale today (Saturday, August 3). The activities at this admission-free event are focused on xeriscaping, a creative way to reduce outdoor water use through efficient landscaping.

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  • Traffic Advisory: Pensacola Street Water System Improvement Project

    MEI Corporation, the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) contractor for the water system improvement project on Pensacola Street, is implementing lane closures within the Beretania Street intersection as they work to install new 8-inch water mains. Area residents and motorists are advised to expect delays and use alternate routes during construction hours. Construction hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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  • BWS to Hold 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale on August 3

    Enjoy having playtime with plants at the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The activities at this family-friendly and admission-free event are focused on xeriscaping, a creative way to reduce outdoor water use through efficient landscaping.

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  • Customer Alert: Board of Water Supply Impersonators

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is alerting the public of individuals pretending to be BWS employees to gain access to the homes of customers, especially during this season when many families are away on vacation and criminals may be scouting for vacant homes.

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  • E. Coli Bacteria Found in Board of Water Supply Waihee Tunnel

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is notifying the public that a water sample from BWS Waihee Tunnel has tested positive for the presence of E. coli bacteria.  As a result, BWS is providing public notice of the finding as required under the federal Ground Water Rule.  The water from this source is safe to drink because it is continuously disinfected before it reaches customers.  For this reason, no further action is required by customers.  Waihee Tunnel serves the area from Kahana to Waimanalo.

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of July 2019

    The month of July features Agapanthus seeds. Agapanthus are great for container gardens because their roots don’t mind fitting snugly in a pot.

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  • Wahiawa Water System Improvements Project

    Board of Water Supply (BWS) contractor Integrated Construction, Inc., is working to replace approximately 3,050 feet of 12-inch mains, 8,500 feet of 8-inch and 6-inch mains, and 1,065 feet of 4-inch mains in Wahiawa.

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  • BWS Rolls Out New Water Rates and Adjusted Tier Structure

    The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) rolls out their new water rates and adjusted tier structure starting this month. The new schedule for water rates started in September 10, 2018 but rates did not change until July 2019. This 5-year schedule will run through June 30, 2023.

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  • Draft EIS for Haiku Stairs will be Published on June 23 in the Environmental Notice

    The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Ha‘ikū Stairs will be published on Sunday, June 23 by the Office of Environmental Quality Control in The Environmental Notice.

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  • Free Seed of the Month

    The month of June features a Sansevieria cutting. Sansevieria are one of the most popular and hardy house plants.

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  • Pensacola Street Water System Improvement Project

    On Tuesday, June 25, Board of Water Supply (BWS) contractor, MEI Corporation, is scheduled to begin a project to install approximately 658 feet of 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch water mains along Pensacola Street, from Kinau Street to Young Street, in Makiki.

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  • Board of Water Supply Announces Water Conservation Poster and Poetry Contest Winners

    Winners of the Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) 2019 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contests were announced today at an awards ceremony at the historic Mission Memorial Auditorium. Forty-two Oahu students were recognized for creating artwork and poetry that illustrate the importance of water conservation.

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  • Keiki to Receive Awards for Water Conservation Poster and Poetry Contests

    Forty-two talented students from schools across Oahu will be recognized by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) for their participation in the Annual Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest.

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  • Memorial Day Ti-Leaf Lei Workshop

    Learn how to make a ti-leaf lei from the ti-leaves in your own garden. A hands-on workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) will show you how to make a ti leaf lei from this drought tolerant plant.

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  • Halawa Xeriscape Garden Closure Dates in May

    The Board of Water Supply’s (BWS) Halawa Xeriscape Garden will be closed to the general public on Wednesday, May 8, and Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of May 2019

    The month of May features Stephonotis seeds. Stephanotis are tiny, fragrant white blossoms that have a waxy appearance that begin in spring and continue through Summer, Fall and into December. It attracts butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. This evergreen vine enjoys moderate to full sun and can provide a great privacy fence between neighbors.

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  • Gardening with Beneficial Microbes Workshop

    A hands-on workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG), Jan Nadamoto will teach you how to make your own beneficial microbes. Gardening with beneficial microbes promotes the growth of healthy plants which may require less watering and maintenance.

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  • Terracotta Madness Workshop

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS) and the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) are pleased to offer “Terracotta Madness” a workshop that teaches participants about succulent propagation with the use of recycled pottery.

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  • How to Select the Right Potting Mix Workshop

    This fun and informative workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) and plant enthusiast Jo-Ann Maeda will empower homeowners with a little bit of knowledge that will go a long way in creating beautiful container gardens!

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of April 2019

    The month of April features a Ti Plant cutting for the complimentary Xeric Seed of the Month at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden.

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  • Rain Barrel Water Catchment Workshop

    An informational workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) explains how collecting rain water reduces the amount of drinking water used for irrigating landscapes. Participants will learn about rain barrel catchment systems, important construction points, installation, and effective maintenance techniques.

    READ MORE >

  • Water System Improvement Project in Manoa

    Board of Water Supply (BWS) contractor, Integrated Construction Inc., is working to install approximately 3,800 feet of 12-inch water main, and 800 feet of 4-inch and 8-inch water mains in Manoa.

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  • Moiliili Water System Improvement Project

    Board of Water Supply contractor RMY Construction, Inc., is working to install approximately 3,760 feet of 8-inch water mains and 380 feet of 4-inch and 6-inch water mains in Moiliili.

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  • How to Create a Xeric Butterfly Garden Workshop

    Butterflies and xeric plants are important partners in garden and landscape sustainability. An informative workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) instructs participants on how to identify and use unthirsty plants to attract butterflies and why their symbiotic relationship can benefit a garden or landscape’s sustainability.

    READ MORE >

  • BWS & City Mill Kick Off Detect-A-Leak Week

    The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS), in partnership with City Mill Company, Ltd., are launching Detect-A-Leak Week from March 18-24, 2019, to encourage all Oahu residents to check for property leaks.

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  • BWS Statement on ASCE-Hawaii Infrastructure Report Card

    The Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS), the largest water utility in the state of Hawaii, actively seeks ways to improve the department’s operations and address our infrastructure needs to provide safe, dependable, and affordable drinking water to Oahu residents now and in the future.

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of March 2019

    The month of March features a Song of India cutting for the complimentary Xeric Seed of the Month at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden.

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  • Water System Improvement Project in Kaneohe to Begin on March 6, 2019

    On March 6, 2019, Board of Water Supply (BWS) contractor MEI Corporation, is scheduled to begin a project to install approximately 2,600 feet of 12-inch and 8-inch water mains along Hui Ulili Street from Hui Kelu Street to Hui Io Street in Kahaluu.

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  • Creating Cactus Art (A Paint in the Garden Workshop)

    The third of our “Paint in the Garden,” Series this workshop season, is a fun-filled, NO PAINTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED workshop! All participants receive step by step instructions from start to finish to create their very own cactus.

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  • Xeric: Beyond Succulents Workshop

    Learn the basics of growing and caring for xeric plants other than succulents. An informational workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) and FOHXG Nursery Lead and Certified Master Gardener Lynne Berry Westlake present Xeric: Beyond Succulents.

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  • Recycled Drawer Garden Nook Workshop

    Create a personalized and functional garden nook from a recycled wooden drawer! Fill your garden nook with drought tolerant plants that will not need frequent watering once established.

    READ MORE >

  • How to Make & Use Bokashi Compost Workshop

    A hands-on workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG), Jan Nadamoto will teach you how to make your own Bokashi mix and produce compost in a manageable space without smell, bugs, or heat.

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of February 2019

    The month of February features a Hearts and Flowers cutting for the complimentary Xeric Seed of the Month at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden.

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  • Create Your Own Xeric Critter Planter Workshop

    Create custom made critter planters! A hands-on workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) will show you how to create a xeric critter planter out of a recycled 2-liter bottle.

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  • Rain Barrel Water Catchment Workshop

    An informational workshop offered by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) explains how collecting rain water reduces the amount of drinking water used for irrigating landscapes. Participants will learn about rain barrel catchment systems, important construction points, installation, and effective maintenance techniques.

    READ MORE >

  • Painting Bird of Paradise (A Paint in the Garden Workshop)

    The second of our “Paint in the Garden,” Series, this season is a fun-filled, NO PAINTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED workshop! This workshop is inspired by one of Hawaii’s favorite flowers, the Bird of Paradise.

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  • Annual Poster and Poetry Contests Challenge Students to Do Your Part Be Water Smart

    The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is seeking entries for its 2019 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contests. These annual contests are a cornerstone of the water agency’s conservation outreach programs to educate Oahu students about the island’s groundwater resources and the importance of protecting and preserving those resources for today and the future. The deadline for both contests is Wednesday, February 28, 2019.

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  • Free Xeric Seed of the Month of January 2019

    For the month of January, visitors to Halawa Xeriscape Garden will receive a complimentary starter slip of the Night Blooming Cereus - Dragon Fruit or Strawberry Pear.

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  • Da Bug Doctor (Green Pest Control) Workshop

    Sponsored by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG). We are excited to present a workshop that deters bugs using everyday household supplies!

    READ MORE >