Bill > SB238

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Water Resources Research Center to address wastewater system challenges, particularly focusing on cesspool conversion in vulnerable areas. The program will examine and demonstrate new wastewater technologies for individual homes, multi-unit dwellings, and community-scale solutions, with a specific emphasis on priority areas identified in a 2021 hazard assessment. The center will administer at least four demonstration projects across different counties, including at least one project on Molokai, targeting areas with the highest potential environmental and health risks. These projects will test new sewage treatment technologies and validate their effectiveness, with a particular focus on regions like south Molokai, where coastal homesteads face significant challenges in upgrading existing wastewater systems. The university will be required to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the technologies tested, number of cesspools converted, associated costs, and recommendations for program improvement. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to support two new engineering positions within the Department of Health's wastewater branch to help process individual wastewater system applications and support the pilot program. The pilot program is set to run until June 30, 2028, with the goal of developing more affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly wastewater solutions for communities across Hawaii that currently lack modern sewage infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=238&year=2025