The Maui News - Moloka‘i residents voiced complaints about possible rate increases for water and sewer service to the Public Utilities Commission last week. About 150 people went to the two-hour public hearing at Maunaloa Elementary School. However, fewer than 10 people testified, said county spokeswoman Mahina Martin. The commission will likely have a decision about the rates on or about Aug. 14, said Stacey Djou, the panel’s chief legal counsel. The commission has said it needs to ramp up rates for six months for about 1,200 mostly west Moloka‘i customers until the county and Moloka‘i Properties Ltd. can figure out a way to put aside differences and formulate a transition plan for a county takeover of Wailoa, Moloka‘i Public Utilities Inc. and Mosco. The company owns all three utilities and says it can no longer afford to keep them running at a deficit. However, Moloka‘i Properties argues that the commission’s proposed rate increases are not enough to offset spiraling energy costs. Mayor Charmaine Tavares has said the county is not in a position to take over the aging facilities, which could cost taxpayers millions to purchase and repair.