HONOLULU — Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has partnered with the Board of Water Supply as the first hospitality company to proactively step forward to identify ways to reduce and manage its water use.

What You Need To Know

  • Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has partnered with the Board of Water Supply as the first hospitality company to identify ways to reduce and manage its water use

  • The company has already completed water audits of its five Oahu properties to assess baseline use as a first step in creating metrics to measure progress

  • “We appreciate Outrigger’s leadership in the hotel industry and look forward to working with others in adopting water conservation initiatives,” said Ernie Lau, Board of Water Supply’s manager and chief engineer

 

As a first step in creating metrics to measure progress, the company recently completed water audits to assess baseline use at its five Oahu properties — Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, Waikiki Malia by Outrigger and OHANA Waikiki East by Outrigger.

“Reducing water consumption in our resort rooms, our restaurants and in our landscaping are all part of our Outrigger’s larger ESG (environmental, social and governance) platform to be more sustainable,” said Steve Miller, general manager of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, in a news release. “In addition to encouraging our guests to request laundry service for towels and linens only as needed, we are exploring ways we can do much more. The Outrigger Way is to care for our hosts, guests and place — Hawaii is our home and we recognize it is our responsibility to do our part to contribute to water conservation.”

In response to the partnership, Ernie Lau, Board of Water Supply’s manager and chief engineer, said, “We’re very pleased that Outrigger has taken this first step to save water. There is always room for improvement for everyone and every organization. We appreciate Outrigger’s leadership in the hotel industry and look forward to working with others in adopting water conservation initiatives.”

Maintaining a pure and reliable water source is even more critical in light of the Red Hill water contamination crisis that has resulted in the closure of several water wells. Since March, Oahu water users have been asked to voluntarily lower usage by 10% to avoid mandatory conservation measures. The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has also adopted water conservation measures across its parks and facilities. BWS has also reminded restaurants to offer water only when asked by patrons.

Adds Miller, “Water conservation year-round is a top priority while also creating a positive, memorable experience for visitors. I’m confident that the Outrigger team, with support from the Board of Water Supply, will be able to meet these objectives in a creative way.”

According to the BWS news release, a resident sentiment survey conducted by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and published in June 2021 showed that slightly more than half, or 55%, of Oahu residents felt tourism has brought more benefits than problems. The same survey also showed the majority, or 88%, of residents believe it’s important for the state to educate both visitors and residents to malama or care for the islands and each other.

“We have exciting, imaginative ways to reach more visitors with water conservation messages,” said Kathleen Pahinui, BWS public information officer. “We are also partnering with the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Fresh Water Initiative to unveil innovative ways to reach visitors with engaging messages.”

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.