Bill > SB501

This bill addresses the significant environmental and health challenges posed by cesspools in Hawaii by requiring the Department of Health to prioritize funding for cesspool elimination projects using the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. The bill recognizes that Hawaii has over 80,000 cesspools discharging approximately 50 million gallons of wastewater daily, which damages public health, pollutes drinking water, and harms marine ecosystems. Building upon previous legislation (Act 125 of 2017) that mandates cesspool upgrades by 2050, this bill seeks to help homeowners overcome the financial barriers to converting cesspools by leveraging the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, which offers low-cost financing for wastewater infrastructure projects. Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Health to prioritize using revolving fund money for two types of projects: upgrading cesspools to approved wastewater systems and connecting properties to sewerage systems, including cluster systems or community package plants. The bill takes advantage of increased federal infrastructure funding and provides flexibility to meet federal requirements, with an effective date of December 31, 2050, aligning with the existing cesspool conversion timeline.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=501&year=2026