The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation announced Thursday that the city park bathroom toilet paper shortage is over.
The shortage that arose earlier this summer was caused after increased production costs and reduced raw materials resulted in an “inconsistent supply of the specific toilet paper” used in public bathrooms around Oahu.
“For some delivery periods, this resulted in only 40% of the regular supply delivered at a time when DPR experiences increased park bathroom usage, typically during the summer months, according to a press release. “DPR maintains approximately 215 comfort stations across Oahu, which utilize industrial toilet paper rolls different from the regular, household rolls sold at local stores and super markets.”
The primary provider of toilet paper to DPR, Veritiv, was able to supply “large infusions” of toilet paper during the past few weeks, but now a more “steady and secure” supply of the toilet paper has been confirmed.
Parks Director Laura Thielen said in a statement, “A big mahalo to our parks ohana across the island for being so understanding of our toilet paper shortage.”
Still, the city continues to urge the public to not use “flushable” wipes, paper towels or clothing as an alternative to TP, as it causes clogs and bathroom closures.

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About the Author
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Chad Blair is the politics editor for Civil Beat. You can reach him by email at cblair@civilbeat.org or follow him on X at @chadblairCB.