HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is announcing the launch of the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services (CARES) program, designed to provide financial relief to eligible residential sewer customers.
The CARES program offers up to $240 in annual sewer bill credits per qualifying household. Credits will be applied directly to the sewer bill until the full amount is used.
The program is part of the City’s effort to help residents manage utility costs including the scheduled sewer rate adjustments in July and the coming years.
CARES is funded at $10 million and will assist an estimated 41,000 households. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully expended so residents are encouraged to apply soon.
“CARES provides meaningful and direct support to residents who need it most,” ENV Director Roger Babcock said. “While we continue to invest in essential wastewater infrastructure, we are equally committed to helping Oʻahu families manage costs.”
Eligible applicants must be Oʻahu residential sewer customers and meet income requirements at or below 80% of the AMI. Click here for the 2025 limits for the City and County of Honolulu based on the income limits released by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Applications are available for pick-up at all Satellite City Halls and public libraries. They are also available online to print. Applications will be accepted May 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026. They must be submitted by mail or drop-off at designated locations. At this time, applications will not be accepted online.
For more information log on to Honolulu.gov/env/cares or call 808-768-3330
Department of Environmental Services
City and County of Honolulu
YouTube: @CCHNL_ENV
Instagram: @hnl.env
Facebook: HNL.ENV1
