The Honolulu City Council adopted Bill 60 (CD2) to change sewer rates and the rate structure after several hours of public testimony and council debate.

Council member dos Santos Tam presented the committee report and the CD2 rate proposal. The measure changes the split between a fixed base charge and a volumetric charge to 40% base / 60% volumetric and phases increases through 2031; the CD2 also included language creating a customer assistance program. Multiple council members, including Council member Tupelo and Council member Cordero, urged shorter rate schedules or more time to consider alternatives; Tupelo introduced an alternate five‑year floor draft.

Public commenters and technical witnesses highlighted both fiscal and regulatory constraints. Natalie Wasa told the council she "support[ed] the CD2 ... the 40/60 split is a fair way of doing that," while urging caution about alternative borrowing proposals. Director Roger Babcock (Environmental Services) and Budget & Fiscal Services director fielded questions about sequencing cash vs. bond funding and the city's ability to change CIP sequencing to moderate immediate rate pressure.

Speakers also discussed federal financing alternatives. A member of the public noted possible savings using WIFIA or TIFIA loans but the Department of Environmental Services cautioned that WIFIA/TIFIA terms can limit the ability to refund later if market rates decline. Testimony from community advocates and civic groups urged more low‑income assistance and time to coordinate with EPA.

After floor debate the council voted to adopt CR 191 and pass Bill 60 CD2 as amended. The council recorded a close vote; the package passed but with multiple members expressing reservations about the schedule and long‑term household impacts. Following the vote the chair said the measure will proceed as adopted and that the administration and council will continue to explore customer assistance and other relief measures.

The vote implements the new 40/60 base/volumetric structure and the schedule of increases included in CD2; it also directs the administration to continue planning the customer assistance program described in the ordinance.