Hawai'i Rural Water Association

What Hawai'i Rural Water Association does

Hawai'i Rural Water Association (HRWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership association incorporated in 2010 and headquartered in Waikoloa, Hawai'i. Operating as a state affiliate of the National Rural Water Association, it delivers training, certification exam preparation, on-site technical assistance, source water protection planning, and a registered apprenticeship program to rural water and wastewater systems. Its geographic reach covers Hawai'i plus Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa, and the organization has delivered over 10,000 hours of classroom instruction and 25,000 hours of on-site assistance since incorporation. Core programs include the Water Systems Operation Specialist Apprenticeship (4,000 hours of on-the-job learning plus 288 hours of instruction), the EPA-funded Training and Technical Assistance program for DSO and WTPO certification, the USDA-funded Water Circuit Riders program, Source Water Protection, and Wastewater Technical Assistance.

Revenue mechanics blend federal pass-through funding with member-generated income. EPA TTA and USDA Rural Development WEP grants underwrite the majority of training and Circuit Rider activities at no cost to participants. Commercial revenue streams include Associate Memberships at $425/year, Corporate Partnerships at $2,500/year, fee-based technical services (leak detection, pressure data logging, pump vibration analysis, smoke testing, ultrasonic flow metering, hydrant flow testing, load bank testing), Backflow Prevention Tester certification training priced at $1,400 for members and $2,000 for non-members, conference registration and exhibit booths at the annual Training and Technical Conference, digital advertising (sold through The Association Partner), and annual Kumuwai Magazine advertising (sold through E&M Consulting, Inc.). Customer segments include county-level government utilities (Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Kaua'i DWS, Hawai'i County DWS, Maui County DWS), private water operators (Hawai'i Water Service, Pural Water Specialty Co.), community associations, and individual water/wastewater operators across the Pacific.

Distribution is primarily direct via membership engagement, conference participation, and on-site field deployment by Water Circuit Riders, supported by partnerships with E&M Consulting, SunCoast Learning Systems, The Association Partner, and Engine. The competitive position rests on the federal grant pipeline, the NRWA affiliation, the embedded Board representation of every major Hawaiian utility, and the accumulated operational track record since 2010; there are no disclosed private funding rounds, acquisitions, or AI/ML capabilities.

Name

Hawai'i Rural Water Association

Legal name

Hawai'i Rural Water Association

Website

https://hrwa.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hawai'i Rural Water Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit state affiliate of the National Rural Water Association that delivers training, certification exam preparation, on-site technical assistance, and apprenticeship programs to rural water and wastewater systems across Hawai'i, Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water and Wastewater Utility Training and Technical Assistance

NAICS

Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (22131), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310), Environmental Consulting Services (541620), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Safety Plans, Training & Documentation (Logbooks, SOPs) (BPABAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater) (BPAIAMAE), NRW Data Management & Water Balance (IWA Methodology, GIS/SCADA Integration, Digital Twins) (EUANAKAJ)

Keywords

• Water operator training
• Wastewater technical assistance
• Rural water systems
• Circuit rider services
• Utility certification training

Headquarters

HQ city

Waikoloa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from System Members, Individual Members, and Associate Members ($425/year). Corporate Partnership tier at $2,500/year includes bundled benefits.
2. Training and Conference Revenue: Revenue from training course fees (Backflow Prevention Training), conference registration fees, exhibit hall booths, and event sponsorship opportunities.
3. Digital Advertising and Sponsorship: Website advertising, digital retargeting, dedicated e-blasts, HRWA Weekly Update newsletter sponsorship, and annual Kumuwai Magazine advertising.
4. Fee-Based Technical Services: Fee-based on-site technical services including leak detection, line location, valve location, pressure data logging, pump vibration analysis, smoke testing, ultrasonic flow metering, hydrant flow testing, and load bank testing. Discounts offered to System Members.
5. Magazine and Publication Revenue: Annual Kumuwai Magazine & Membership Directory advertising sales managed through E&M Consulting, available in both print and digital formats.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hawai'i Rural Water Association provides on-site technical training and assistance to small and rural water and wastewater systems in Hawai'i and parts of the Western and Southern Pacific. Core offerings include operator certification exam review (DSO/WTPO), a registered Water Systems Operation Specialist Apprenticeship Program, Source Water Protection planning, Wastewater Technical Assistance, fee-based technical testing services, and an annual Training and Technical Conference.

Product overview

Hawai'i Rural Water Association (HRWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates as a platform of training, technical assistance, and professional development programs for rural water and wastewater operators in Hawaii. The core offerings include the Water Systems Operation Specialist Apprenticeship Program (combining 4,000 hours OJL with 288 hours classroom instruction), the EPA Training and Technical Assistance Program (offering DSO and WTPO certification exam review), Source Water Protection, Wastewater Technical Assistance, and Water Circuit Riders programs (USDA-funded on-site technical support). Fee-based services provide specialized testing (leak detection, pressure logging, pump vibration, smoke testing, ultrasonic flow metering, hydrant flow testing, load bank testing) for systems ineligible for free programs. HRWA also delivers CEU training classes, Backflow Prevention Tester Certification, the annual Kumuwai Magazine & Membership Directory, and an annual Training and Technical Conference.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Water Systems Operation Specialist Apprenticeship Program A registered apprenticeship program combining 4,000 hours of on-the-job learning with 288 hours of related classroom instruction, designed to train new water system operators by pairing apprentices with experienced mentors for knowledge transfer.
• EPA Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program Provides Water Distribution Systems Operation (DSO) and Water Treatment Plant Operator (WTPO) certification exam review training, along with additional training on Lead & Copper Rule, AWIA, Sanitary Surveys, and other regulatory compliance topics for Hawai'i water operators.
• Source Water Protection Program Helps communities develop locally-driven plans to protect groundwater and surface water sources through comprehensive threat identification, protection planning, and implementation assistance.
• Wastewater Technical Assistance Provides technical assistance and training to small and rural communities for wastewater system operations, maintenance, management, financial sustainability, compliance, and emergency response.
• Water Circuit Riders Program USDA-funded technical assistance program providing on-site support for water and wastewater systems including compliance, operations, maintenance, management, disaster response, leak detection, and training delivered by Circuit Rider field staff.
• Fee-Based Technical Testing Services Paid technical services including leak detection, line location, valve location, pressure data logging, pump vibration analysis, smoke testing, ultrasonic flow metering, hydrant flow testing, and load bank testing for systems not eligible for free program services, with member discounts available.
• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification Training A five-day certification course preparing attendees for the ABPA Tester Certification Examination, based on the USC FCCC Manual of Cross Connection Control, 10th Edition, with member and non-member pricing tiers and a required Cross Connection Manual.
• CEU Classes and Continuing Education Training Continuing education courses including General Water and Wastewater Calculations, Wastewater Certification Exam Preparatory Review, Chlorine Analysis training, and conference-based Water and Wastewater CEUs for licensed operators.
• Annual Training and Technical Conference Annual three-day conference featuring technical presentations, networking opportunities, competitions (Great American Water Taste Test, Backflow Prevention Tester Competition), and golf tournament fundraiser for the Apprenticeship Program.
• Kumuwai Magazine and Membership Directory Annual industry magazine and membership directory published in partnership with E&M Consulting, Inc., available in both print and digital formats, distributed to all HRWA members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10,000 hours of instruction/formal classroom training delivered since 2010
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• E&M Consulting, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerE&M Consulting produces the Annual Kumuwai Magazine & Membership Directory for HRWA, managing advertising sales and layout/graphic design. The publication is available in both print and digital formats and is mailed to every member. Contact: 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or [email protected]
• Engine (Trip Management)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHRWA has partnered with Engine for trip management services. Members can access a co-branded landing page for discounts on travel-related services for both business and personal usage. Email verification from [email protected] with up to 24 business hours for verification.
• USDA Rural Development - Water and Environmental Programs (WEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA RD WEP has been a steadfast ally to rural communities, aiding in essential upgrades to water and wastewater facilities. HRWA supports the Rural Water Strong campaign advocating for continued WEP funding. WEP plays a crucial role in boosting economic opportunities, safeguarding public health, maintaining affordable water access, and ensuring sustainability of rural communities. WEP has provided funding for Circuit Rider programs since 1980.
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEPA provides Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) funding to HRWA. Since 1977, small and rural communities have relied on EPA-funded local initiatives for compliance with federal regulations, avoiding EPA fines, and operating drinking water and wastewater supplies. HRWA's EPA TTA Program focuses on DSO and WTPO Certification Exam Review training.
• NRWA (National Rural Water Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRWA is a state affiliate of NRWA, incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit since 2010. As an NRWA State Affiliate, HRWA has access to resources and expertise throughout the nation and can draw upon other State Affiliate associations' knowledge and resources. NRWA also supports the Rural Water Strong campaign and Rural Water Rally legislative event.
• Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach HotelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740) serves as the host hotel and conference site for HRWA's Annual Training and Technical Conference. HRWA has partnered with this venue for multiple years.
• The Association Partner (Ryan Badeau)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Association Partner handles digital advertising sales for HRWA, including website advertising, digital retargeting, dedicated e-blasts, and HRWA Weekly Update Newsletter sponsorship. Contact: Ryan Badeau, Director of Sales at [email protected].
• Hawai'i Department of Labor and Industrial RelationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRWA's Apprenticeship Program is registered through the Hawai'i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. The program requires 4,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 288 hours of related instruction.
• American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHRWA Circuit Riders have provided technical assistance to American Samoa Power Authority, including DSO trainings for water operators and assistance with Groundwater Representative Monitoring Plan preparation under UCMR5.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Rural Water Association: National umbrella organization for state rural water associations, including HRWA as a Hawai'i state affiliate. Provides shared resources, advocacy, and best-practice dissemination across the state affiliate network — making it the most direct structural peer in terms of mission and operating model.
• American Water Works Association: Large international nonprofit scientific and educational association for the water sector. Provides certification, training, and technical resources to water utilities; broader in scope and scale than HRWA but overlapping in training and certification services.
• Water Environment Federation: International nonprofit providing technical education and training for water quality professionals. Adjacent peer serving the wastewater operator training market that HRWA's wastewater technical assistance and CEU programs also target.

Direct peers

• Rural Community Assistance Partnership: National nonprofit network providing training, technical assistance, and capacity-building to rural water and wastewater systems. Highly comparable mission, federal funding profile, and service delivery model to HRWA.
• Texas Rural Water Association: Largest NRWA state affiliate by membership, providing training, technical assistance, and on-site circuit rider services to Texas rural water systems. Direct structural peer with similar federal grant reliance and member-driven training program.
• Rural Community Assistance Corporation: Nonprofit providing technical assistance, training, and infrastructure financing to rural communities in the western U.S. and Pacific islands. Direct peer in mission and Pacific territory overlap (CNMI, Guam, American Samoa).
• California Rural Water Association: State rural water association affiliate under NRWA, providing training and technical assistance to small/rural water and wastewater systems in California. Closest functional peer given shared NRWA model, federal grant funding streams, and circuit rider structure.

Others

• National Environmental Health Association: Professional association for environmental health practitioners, including credentialing in backflow prevention and water safety. Indirect peer in the certification/credentialing ecosystem for water operators.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/hiruralwater
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hawaii-rural-water-association

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hawai'i Rural Water Association