Projects

Integrated Wastewater Management Plan

Cesspools in Hawai'i: Protecting Our Paradise, Responsibly

Protecting the health and beauty of our islands is a shared responsibility. This website provides information about the critical issue of cesspools in Hawai'i, exploring solutions, and explaining how different entities contribute to the transition to safer wastewater systems.

Why Cesspools Matter:

Imagine flushing your toilet directly into the ground, just inches from pristine waters. That's the reality for many Hawai'i residents who rely on cesspools. These outdated systems threaten public health, pollute our environment, and harm coral reefs.

Taking Action:

In 2017, the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed House Bill 1244, Act 125, to amend Hawai'i Revised Statutes (HRS 342D-72) on Water Pollution to include requirements for the replacement of all cesspools in Hawai‘i by Year 2050. Act 125 directed the Hawai'i Department of Health (HDOH) to investigate the State’s number, scope, location, and priority of cesspool replacements based on impact to public health. In 2022 Act 87 was approved further amending HRS 342D-72 to generalize the options for cesspool replacements to allow upgrades or conversions.

The County of Hawai'i is committed to support this transition through the Integrated Wastewater Management Plan (IWWMP).

Understanding the IWWMP:

The IWWMP is a roadmap for replacing cesspools in the County of Hawai'i, developed for informational purposes for the County's Legislative Branch. It explores options like:

  • Expanding existing sewer systems: Connecting more homes to existing treatment facilities is a feasible option in some areas.
  • Creating new sewer districts: In communities without existing infrastructure, building new sewer systems could be an option with funding commitments.
  • Private cesspool upgrades: For homeowners in rural or decentralized communities, upgrading to approved Individual Wastewater Systems (IWS) is likely. 

! Important Distinctions:

  • Private Cesspool Closures: Private landowners are responsible for closing their own cesspools, and connecting to an approved wastewater treatment system.
  • Cesspool Ban Enforcement:
    • Regulations: The State Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 11, Chapter 62 govern wastewater treatment,
    •  Enforcement: The DOH Wastewater Branch enforces these regulations, including the state cesspool ban and permitting for individual wastewater systems.
    •  For more information, you can contact the DOH Wastewater Branch at 808-586-4400 or visit their website https://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/
  • The County's IWWMP focuses on broader wastewater management strategies and doesn't replace or enforce State regulations.

Be Part of the Solution:

  • Attend Public Meetings: Stay informed and share your thoughts at the upcoming public engagement sessions:

  • A recording of a first round of public meetings can be accessed here.

  • Scheduling for the second round of public meetings is now underway!  

  • Virtual attendees can attend by clicking the following link on the date/time of the event: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16031058165.

  • Review the Draft IWWMP: Once available, the draft plan will be posted online for your feedback.
  • Contact DOH: Have questions about cesspool closures? Email webmail@doh.hawaii.gov
  • Contact DEM: Have questions or comments about the IWWMP?  Email cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov

Together, we can protect our health, our environment, and the future of our beautiful island. Let's make Hawai'i a model for sustainable wastewater management!

Schedule:

The timeline for cesspool conversion is as follows:

  • January 2024: Response to House Resolution No. 208, H.D.1.
  • February 2024: First round of public engagement
  • Fall 2024: Draft IWWMP released
  • Fall 2024: Second round of public engagement - Planning is now Underway!
  • January 2025: Final IWWMP released
  • 2050: Deadline for all cesspools to be replaced

Additional Resources: