Bill > SB212

This bill modifies Hawaii's existing law regarding cesspools, which are underground wastewater systems that retain organic matter while allowing liquid to seep into the ground. The bill amends Section 342D-72 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to provide more flexibility in cesspool upgrade requirements by allowing the Director of Health to grant exemptions under two specific scenarios: first, if the State cannot prove that a specific cesspool is negatively impacting drinking water or recreational waters, and second, if a property owner can demonstrate a legitimate reason why upgrading or converting the cesspool is infeasible. Legitimate reasons for exemption include small lot size, steep topography, poor soil conditions, or accessibility issues. The bill maintains the overall goal of requiring cesspool upgrades, conversion, or connection to sewerage systems before January 1, 2050, but provides a more nuanced approach to enforcement by allowing case-by-case exemptions based on specific environmental and property-specific circumstances. The changes aim to balance environmental protection with practical challenges property owners might face when attempting to upgrade their wastewater systems.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=212&year=2025