Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program

November 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Windward O‘ahu Residents Eligible for $150 Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program To Improve Water Quality And Conserve Fresh Water

KO‘OLAUPOKO – Hui o Ko‘olaupoko (HOK), funded by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), is launching a new Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program to help Windward O‘ahu residents capture and reuse rainwater at home.

Through this program, HOK will reimburse 100 eligible households up to $150 toward the purchase of a qualifying rain barrel system. Additionally, the program offers free installation assistance.  To secure your spot and receive a rain barrel purchasing guide, email [email protected].

“We are excited to offer this $150 reimbursement to homeowners who want to take an active role in protecting water quality and reducing their ecological footprint. This program allows each homeowner to choose a barrel that fits their aesthetic, while HOK provides local purchasing guides, and free installation” says Hui o Ko’olaupoko Executive Director Kristen Nalani Kane.

HOK staff are also available to conduct a free rainwater assessment for Windward Oahu properties.The assessment utilizes the locally developed Follow The Drop app to calculate their property’s potential runoff from impervious surfaces and makes recommendations on ideal green stormwater solutions and appropriate sizes. Hui o Koolaupoko has developed a detailed slideshow of recommended barrel systems, step-by-step installation examples, and local purchasing tips to simplify the process for participants. Once they have purchased the products and submitted their receipts, their free installation will be scheduled.

This program was made possible through a grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Fresh Water Initiative, which supports projects that expand water capture, reuse, and recharge across the state. Over the past two years, HOK has conducted more than 150 residential assessments throughout Ko‘olaupoko, identifying over 400 potential green stormwater infrastructure projects that could collectively capture more than 2.5 million gallons of rainwater each year if implemented.

To secure your spot for a rain barrel, reach out to [email protected] or book your property's free rainwater assessment at https://www.huihawaii.org.

View installation resources and preferred barrel systems:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RpkKR9ixfspcqUJyZiIAHlq_3Cdt4kQp/edit?usp=sharing

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HOK Contact:
Kristen Nālani Kāne
Project Director
Hui o Ko‘olaupoko
[email protected]
Phone: 808-381-7202
www.huihawaii.org