Bill > HB507

This bill addresses the ongoing issue of cesspool contamination in Hawaii by appropriating $5,000,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to continue the cesspool compliance pilot grant project. The legislation acknowledges that failing cesspools are polluting groundwater, streams, and coastal ecosystems, and recognizes the financial burden of upgrading or converting cesspools on low- and moderate-income families. Established previously in Act 153 of 2022, the pilot grant project helps property owners, including lessees on Hawaiian home lands, with conversion costs for cesspools located in priority level 1 or 2 areas as identified by the Hawaii cesspool prioritization tool. The appropriation can be used to fund the grants directly and to contract for services to administer the program, with the department of health responsible for expending the funds. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring continued support for cesspool conversion efforts and environmental protection.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=507&year=2026