summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Authorizes the Director of Health to grant an exemption from the requirement to upgrade, convert, or connect a cesspool if the State is unable to present evidence that the cesspool is affecting the State's drinking water supply or recreational waters.
AI Summary
This bill amends Hawaii's existing law regarding cesspools, which are underground wastewater retention systems, by modifying the rules for mandatory upgrades or connections to sewerage systems by 2050. The bill allows the Director of Health to grant exemptions from cesspool upgrade requirements under two specific circumstances: first, if the State cannot prove that a particular cesspool is negatively impacting drinking water or recreational waters, and second, if a property owner can demonstrate legitimate reasons that make upgrading infeasible. These legitimate reasons include small lot size, steep topography, poor soil conditions, or accessibility issues. The bill retains the original definition of a cesspool as an underground excavation that receives untreated wastewater and allows liquid to seep into the surrounding geographic formation. By providing these exemption pathways, the bill offers flexibility to property owners while still maintaining the overall goal of improving wastewater management and environmental protection in Hawaii. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. (on 12/08/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=212&year=2026 |
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=212&year=2025 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB212_.HTM |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2025/bills/SB212_.HTM |
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