HE ALIʻI KA ʻĀINA, HE KAUĀ KE KANAKA The land is chief, man is the servant
ʻōlelo noʻeau
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
2025 Technical Program
The pre-final technical program for the HWWA 2025 Annual Conference has been posted. We are excited to have compiled a wide range of critical and current water utility related topics, including tracks on Climate Change Adaptation, Strategic Initiatives, Projects, Operations/Systems, Regulatory, Planning, Communications, Business, and Consultant/Vendor/Agency related presentations and panels.
Technical Program:
View in web browser or download a PDF version.
Session Tracks:
Climate Change | Projects | Operations/Systems | Consultant/Vendor/Agency | Strategic Initiatives | Regulatory | Planning | Communications | Business
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025
OCTOBER 15, 2025 — MORNING SESSIONS
GENERAL SESSION 1 — CLIMATE CHANGE TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Climate Change | Projects | Operations/Systems | Consultant/Vendor/Agency
10/15/2025
Welcome and Remarks
900am
-
915am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Welcome and Remarks
Speakers: Ernest Lau, Manager & Chief Engineer, Honolulu BWS
Video Message: Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Mayor, City and County of Honolulu
900am
-
915am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Honolulu's Climate Ready Oahu Strategy for Climate Adaptation
915am
-
1000am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Honolulu's Climate Ready Oahu Strategy for Climate Adaptation
Speaker: Ben Sullivan, Honolulu Office of Climate Change Sustainability and Resiliency (OCCR)
Synopsis: The City’s first climate adaptation s...
915am
-
1000am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Break
1000am
-
1015am
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Break
1000am
-
1015am
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
One Water Honoluluʻs Collaboration Framework
1015am
-
1100am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
One Water Honoluluʻs Collaboration Framework
Speakers: Lenise Marrero & Wendy Broley, Brown and Caldwell
Synopsis: The One Water approach focuses on collaboration strategies for stormwa...
1015am
-
1100am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
A Climate Adaptation Approach to One Water Honolulu's CIP
1100am
-
1145am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
A Climate Adaptation Approach to One Water Honolulu's CIP
Speakers: Rachel Duncan, Carollo Engineers | Tess Sprague, Brown and Caldwell
Synopsis: The One Water Honolulu Plan will develop a climate re...
1100am
-
1145am
Kaiona Ballroom
OCTOBER 15, 2025 — AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 — PROJECTS TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Climate Change | Projects | Operations/Systems | Consultant/Vendor/Agency
10/15/2025
Who Picked This Site Anyway? Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination Challenges and Progress
130pm
-
200pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Who Picked This Site Anyway? Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination Challenges and Progress
Speaker: Barry Usagawa, Honolulu BWS
Synopsis: Honolulu BWS issued a fixed price DBOM contract to Kalaeloa Desalco LLC in July 2023 to provid...
130pm
-
200pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Regulatory and Enhanced Water Quality Pilot, Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination
200pm
-
230pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Regulatory and Enhanced Water Quality Pilot, Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination
Speaker: Dawn Halpern, Kalaeloa Desalco, LLC
Synopsis: This presentation provides an overview of the Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) pilot st...
200pm
-
230pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Kalaeloa Aquifer Test Plan Approach and Preliminary Findings
230pm
-
300pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Kalaeloa Aquifer Test Plan Approach and Preliminary Findings
Topic: Kalaeloa Aquifer Test Plan Approach and Preliminary Findings for the Determination of Hydraulic Separation of Layered Geologic Format...
230pm
-
300pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Break
300pm
-
330pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Break
300pm
-
330pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Adapt Waikīkī 2050
330pm
-
415pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/15/2025
Adapt Waikīkī 2050
Speakers: Noelle Cole, Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting | Kitty Courtney, Tetra Tech
Synopsis: Waikīkī is increasingly vulnera...
330pm
-
415pm
Kaiona Ballroom
OCTOBER 15, 2025 — AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 — OPERATIONS/SYSTEMS TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Climate Change | Projects | Operations/Systems | Consultant/Vendor/Agency
10/15/2025
BMPs Suck* – Handling Runoff During Main Break Repairs
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
BMPs Suck* – Handling Runoff During Main Break Repairs
Speaker: Tyler Wong, Honolulu BWS
Synopsis: Best Management Practices are an essential component in the protection of our environment and rec...
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
On-Site Gray Water Reuse Applications and Benefits for New Residential Developments
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
On-Site Gray Water Reuse Applications and Benefits for New Residential Developments
Speakers: Randy Hiraki, President, Commercial Plumbing | Alana Kobayashi-Pakkala, Kobayashi Group
Synopsis: Kuilei and Alia are two Kobayashi...
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Water Sensible, Water Conservation Rebate Program Update
230pm
-
300pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Water Sensible, Water Conservation Rebate Program Update
Speakers: Lorna Heller, Honolulu BWS | Daniel Chen, Honeywell
Synopsis: The Honolulu BWS completed its Water Conservation Program Plan (WCP) ...
230pm
-
300pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Break
300pm
-
330pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Break
300pm
-
330pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Pipe Dreams: Optimizing Pipeline Rehab and Replacement
330pm
-
400pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Pipe Dreams: Optimizing Pipeline Rehab and Replacement
Speakers: Isaac Hayashi, Honolulu BWS | Tony Shing, Honolulu BWS | Mark Zito, Trinnex
Synopsis: Water main infrastructure is a critical compo...
330pm
-
400pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
OCTOBER 15, 2025 — AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 — CONSULTANT/VENDOR/AGENCY TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Climate Change | Projects | Operations/Systems | Consultant/Vendor/Agency
10/15/2025
Calibration of Source Meters to Identify and Reduce Water Loss
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Calibration of Source Meters to Identify and Reduce Water Loss
Speaker: Francis Cheng, Okahara & Associates
Synopsis: Honolulu BWS water loss percentage has been slowly increasing over the last decade, fr...
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
The Hawai‘i Water Plan Framework Update
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
The Hawai‘i Water Plan Framework Update
Speaker: Alyssandra V. Rousseve, Commission on Water Resource Management
Synopsis: This presentation provides an overview of the Framework fo...
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Backflow Prevention Programs
230pm
-
300pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Backflow Prevention Programs
Speaker: Mitch Lebas, P.E., Backflow Preventions Services, LLC,
Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch (SDWB)
...
230pm
-
300pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Break
300pm
-
330pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Break
300pm
-
330pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/15/2025
Leveraging AMI, AI & Operational Dashboards to Reduce Field Work & Operating Expenses in Water Utili
330pm
-
400pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/15/2025
Leveraging AMI, AI & Operational Dashboards to Reduce Field Work & Operating Expenses in Water Utili
Speaker: Joseph Rogers, Xylem
Synopsis: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) continues to transform water utility operations by enabling re...
330pm
-
400pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
OCTOBER 15, 2025 — EVENING ACTIVITIES
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025
OCTOBER 16, 2025 — MORNING SESSIONS
GENERAL SESSION 2 — STRATEGIC INITIATIVES TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Strategic Initiatives | Regulatory | Planning | Communications
10/16/2025
Water Research Foundation Updates
830am
-
915am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Water Research Foundation Updates
Speaker: Jim Siriano, Water Research Foundation (WRF)
Synopsis: The Water Research Foundation's One Water research programs touch the entire ...
830am
-
915am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
BWS Emerging Contaminants Management Program
915am
-
1000am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
BWS Emerging Contaminants Management Program
Speakers: Sierra Johnson, Brown and Caldwell | Marc Chun, Honolulu BWS
Synopsis: Honolulu BWS is currently implementing a long-term program f...
915am
-
1000am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Break
1000am
-
1030am
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Break
1000am
-
1030am
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Healthy Waters After Wildfires - Evaluating Post-Fire Water Quality Using Advanced Analytical Method
1030am
-
1100am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Healthy Waters After Wildfires - Evaluating Post-Fire Water Quality Using Advanced Analytical Method
Speakers: Mel Tokuda & Scott Murakawa, Safe Drinking Water Branch, Department of Health | Yvonne Heaney, California Division of Drinking Wat...
1030am
-
1100am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
BWS Updates Islandwide Water Master Plan
1100am
-
1145am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
BWS Updates Islandwide Water Master Plan
Speaker: Carl Lundin, CDM Smith
Synopsis: The Water Master Plan 10-year update is a comprehensive initiative led by the Honolulu BWS to ensur...
1100am
-
1145am
Kaiona Ballroom
OCTOBER 16, 2025 — AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 4 — REGULATORY TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Strategic Initiatives | Regulatory | Planning | Communications
10/16/2025
CWRM Goals and Major Projects
130pm
-
200pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
CWRM Goals and Major Projects
Speaker: Ciara Kahahane, State Commission on Water Resource Management
Synopsis: CWRM Goals and Major Projects over the next 2 years.
130pm
-
200pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Addressing Contamination Incidents in RRAs and ERPs
200pm
-
230pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Addressing Contamination Incidents in RRAs and ERPs
Speaker: William Platten, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synopsis: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure and ...
200pm
-
230pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Break
230pm
-
245pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Break
230pm
-
245pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Adjusting Sewer Rates to Support Affordability & Water Conservation while Meeting Revenue Requiremen
245pm
-
315pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Adjusting Sewer Rates to Support Affordability & Water Conservation while Meeting Revenue Requiremen
Topic: Adjusting Sewer Rates to Support Affordability and Water Conservation while also Meeting Revenue Requirements
Speakers: Roger Babcock,...
245pm
-
315pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Pure Water Hawaii, Guidelines for Potable Reuse
315pm
-
345pm
Kaiona Ballroom
10/16/2025
Pure Water Hawaii, Guidelines for Potable Reuse
Speakers: Andy Salveson & Mike Miyahira, Carollo Engineers
Synopsis: Today’s Hawaiʻi water resources managers face a myriad of challenges fro...
315pm
-
345pm
Kaiona Ballroom
OCTOBER 16, 2025 — AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 5 — PLANNING TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Strategic Initiatives | Regulatory | Planning | Communications
10/16/2025
Wildfire Modeling and Emergency Response Plan Coordination on O‘ahu
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Wildfire Modeling and Emergency Response Plan Coordination on O‘ahu
Speaker: Michael Cubas, CDM Smith
Synopsis: Conflagration is no longer just a phrase or scholastic term—it’s an increasingly measurable threa...
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Granular Activated Carbon Reactivation Facility
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Granular Activated Carbon Reactivation Facility
Speaker: Jay Stone, Bowers & Kubota
Synopsis: The Honolulu BWS needs to address a long-term solution for the disposal and/or reactivation of ...
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Break
230pm
-
245pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Break
230pm
-
245pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Haʻikū Tunnel Bulkhead Study, a Groundwater Storage and Stream Restoration Evaluation
245pm
-
315pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Haʻikū Tunnel Bulkhead Study, a Groundwater Storage and Stream Restoration Evaluation
Speakers: Nancy Matsumoto, PG, CHG, Honolulu BWS | Charles Luxford, PE, SE, Brierley Associates
Synopsis: The Haʻikū Tunnel Bulkhead Study in...
245pm
-
315pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Nuuanu Hydro-Managed Aquifer Recovery
315pm
-
345pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Nuuanu Hydro-Managed Aquifer Recovery
Topic: Nuuanu Hydro-Managed Aquifer Recovery, A Stormwater Capture, Treatment, Energy Recovery and Aquifer Recharge Solution for a Climate C...
315pm
-
345pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
OCTOBER 16, 2025 — AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BREAKOUT SESSION 6 — COMMUNICATIONS TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
Tracks: Strategic Initiatives | Regulatory | Planning | Communications
10/16/2025
From Supervisors to Leaders: Empowering the Frontline for Tomorrow’s Challenges
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
From Supervisors to Leaders: Empowering the Frontline for Tomorrow’s Challenges
Speaker: Michele Rodriguez-Flores, Ridgecresta Inc.
Synopsis: As a wave of retirements reshapes the workforce landscape, organizations face a...
130pm
-
200pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Communicating Complicated Analyses to Utility Leaders and the Public
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Communicating Complicated Analyses to Utility Leaders and the Public
Speaker: Glen Barnes, Water Financing Assistance
Synopsis: Utilities generate complicated analyses such as water audits, asset management pla...
200pm
-
230pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Break
230pm
-
245pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Break
230pm
-
245pm
Kipuka Courtyard
10/16/2025
Educational and Participatory Communications
245pm
-
315pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Educational and Participatory Communications
Speakers: Arthur Aiu, Sheri Mikami & Michele Harman, Honolulu BWS | Ani Turner, Kauaʻi DWS
Synopsis: Education is a cornerstone of outreach e...
245pm
-
315pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Hawaiʻi's Watershed Partnerships, Protecting our Water Source in Mauka Forests
315pm
-
345pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
10/16/2025
Hawaiʻi's Watershed Partnerships, Protecting our Water Source in Mauka Forests
Speakers: Amy Tsuneyoshi, Honolulu BWS | Yumi Kam, Waiʻanae Mountain Watershed Partnership
Synopsis: Our forests are essential for water secu...
315pm
-
345pm
Kaʻala Ballroom
OCTOBER 16, 2025 — EVENING ACTIVITIES
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
OCTOBER 17, 2025 — MORNING SESSIONS
GENERAL SESSION 3 — BUSINESS TRACK
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
10/17/2025
Local Forecasts and Analysis of Economic, Demographic, and Business Trends in Hawaiʻi
800am
-
845am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/17/2025
Local Forecasts and Analysis of Economic, Demographic, and Business Trends in Hawaiʻi
Speaker: Dr. Steven Bond-Smith, UHERO
Synopsis: Hawaiʻi’s economic outlook as expansive federal policy shifts impact the local economy. Fluct...
800am
-
845am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/17/2025
Our Kuleana: Leveling Up in Water Advocacy
845am
-
930am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/17/2025
Our Kuleana: Leveling Up in Water Advocacy
Speaker: Ann Miyahira Hajnosz, PE, Harris & Associates
Synopsis: The water industry is facing significant challenges—rapidly aging infrastruc...
845am
-
930am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/17/2025
Manager's Roundtable
930am
-
1015am
Kaiona Ballroom
10/17/2025
Manager's Roundtable
Moderator: Barry Usagawa, Honolulu BWS
Panelists: Ernest Lau, Honolulu BWS | Keith Okamoto, Hawaiʻi DWS| John Stufflebean, Maui DWS | Joe Tai...
930am
-
1015am
Kaiona Ballroom
OCTOBER 17, 2025 — OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Subject to change. Please listen to announcements made at the start of each session.
10/17/2025
Mālama ʻĀina Day
900am
-
130pm
Waiʻanae Kai
10/17/2025
Mālama ʻĀina Day
- 900am - Check-in and board group transportation
- 915am - Depart for worksite
- 1200pm - Lunch
- 100pm - Depart for Aulani
- 130pm - Arrive Aulani
900am
-
130pm
Waiʻanae Kai
10/17/2025
Three Man Scramble
1030am
Kapolei Golf Club
10/17/2025
Three Man Scramble
- 1030am - Registration
- 1130am - Shotgun Start
- Dinner & prizes immediately following tournament
1030am
Kapolei Golf Club
The Hawaiʻi Water Works Association (HWWA) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
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2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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— COMING SOON —
HWWA group rate at the Embassy Suites Kapolei.