Bill > SB675

This bill addresses the environmental and health challenges posed by cesspools in Hawaii by establishing a new Cesspool Conversion Section within the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch. The bill highlights that Hawaii has over 80,000 cesspools discharging approximately 50 million gallons of wastewater daily, which negatively impacts public health, water quality, drinking water, marine ecosystems, and coral reefs. The new section will be responsible for managing state and federal financing options, developing public outreach and education programs, informing cesspool owners about conversion options, securing federal funding, and facilitating partnerships with counties and organizations to help property owners convert cesspools. "Conversion of cesspools" is defined as either connecting to a sewerage system or upgrading to a director-approved wastewater system. The bill provides funding to establish three full-time equivalent permanent positions within this new section, with appropriations for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, and is set to take effect on December 31, 2050, with the funding provisions becoming active on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=675&year=2025