Bill > SB236

This bill addresses the environmental and health challenges posed by cesspools in Hawaii by implementing several key provisions. First, it accelerates the timeline for upgrading, converting, or connecting priority level 1 cesspools (13,821 total) to sewerage systems or approved wastewater systems by January 1, 2035, and priority level 2 cesspools (12,367 total) by January 1, 2040, which is earlier than the previous deadline of 2050. The bill allows for exemptions in cases of legitimate technical challenges like small lot size, steep topography, or poor soils, and permits extensions of up to five years for those facing financial hardship. Additionally, the bill establishes a new income tax credit for cesspool upgrades, offering taxpayers up to $10,000 for qualified expenses related to converting or connecting cesspools to approved systems, with a total statewide cap on the credits. The legislation also appropriates funds to support a cesspool compliance pilot grant project and requires the state Auditor to periodically review the tax credit program. The underlying motivation is to address significant environmental concerns, as Hawaii currently has over 80,000 cesspools discharging approximately 50 million gallons of wastewater into groundwater daily, which damages public health, pollutes water resources, and threatens marine ecosystems.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=236&year=2025