What's Being Discussed

The Board of Certification of Public Water System Operators will meet on August 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at 2385 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City. The board oversees licensing for people who operate public water systems in Hawaii. The main topics include:

• Reviewing applications from individuals seeking Distribution System Operator (DSO) certifications at various skill levels
• Reviewing applications from individuals seeking Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) certifications, including some from out-of-state applicants applying through reciprocity
• Approving continuing education courses that certified operators can take to maintain their licenses — topics include cybersecurity, confined space safety, water treatment processes, chemical handling, and emergency preparedness
• Reviewing exam results for candidates who recently tested for DSO and WTPO certifications at multiple levels

Decisions Expected

• The board is expected to approve or deny certification applications for over a dozen operator candidates
• The board will decide whether to accept nearly 40 continuing education courses as qualifying for operator license renewal
• The board will act on exam results for more than 30 candidates seeking certification

Who Should Pay Attention

• Water system operators who applied for certification or recently took a licensing exam
• Training providers who submitted courses for continuing education approval
• Anyone working in or entering Hawaii's drinking water industry

The next board meeting is scheduled for November 23, 2026. To request disability accommodations, contact doh.dwopcert@doh.hawaii.gov by August 17, 2026. Written testimony may also be submitted to that email address.