Bill > SB542

This bill addresses the environmental and public health challenges posed by cesspools in Hawaii by accelerating the timeline for upgrading, converting, or connecting these outdated wastewater systems. Specifically, the bill requires priority level 1 cesspools (identified using the University of Hawaii's prioritization tool) to be upgraded or connected to a sewerage system by January 1, 2035, with a special exemption for certain recreational residences in Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks, which have until January 1, 2040. Priority level 2 cesspools must be upgraded or connected by January 1, 2040. The bill allows property owners to apply for exemptions before December 30, 2030, based on specific reasons such as small lot size, steep topography, poor soils, accessibility issues, or planned sewerage upgrades. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Director of Finance to issue $500,000,000 in general obligation bonds to help finance these cesspool upgrades, and appropriates funds to continue a cesspool compliance pilot grant project. The legislation is motivated by the significant environmental damage caused by the estimated 80,000 cesspools in Hawaii, which discharge about 50 million gallons of wastewater into groundwater daily, potentially threatening coral reefs, public health, and water quality.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=542&year=2026