Bring Your Own Toilet Paper. Honolulu Parks Are Experiencing A Shortage
The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation blamed the problem on supply chain issues and increased demand.
Honolulu officials warned they may have to close some public bathrooms in city parks due to a shortage in industrial toilet paper rolls.
The city’s聽Department of Parks and Recreation called on park-goers to bring their own toilet paper until the problem can be solved. It also urged people not to use wipes, even if they’re labeled as flushable, or clothing as an alternative.
“These items do not breakdown in water like regular toilet paper and cause clogs, resulting in bathroom closures until the clog can be removed,” the department said Friday in a press release.
The city is using napkin-style toilet paper and smaller household rolls as well as coordinating with other city departments to try to tide over the bathrooms in the meantime.
The department maintains about 216 comfort stations and the restrooms use industrial toilet paper rolls, but deliveries have been inconsistent, leading to the shortages. Those were compounded by the increased聽usage commonly experienced in public restrooms during summer months.
The department said it usually receives 270 cases of industrial rolls a week over the summer, compared with 180 cases a week during other periods.
It said the last resort would be to close bathroom stalls or entire comfort stations.
“Ultimately what we’re trying to avoid is closing the restrooms,” spokesman Nathan Serota said, adding that the department wanted to inform people planning events at the parks about the problem.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your support as we work our way through this supply issue,” he said.
