Bill > HB734

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive review of its current rules and practices related to wastewater systems and cesspool upgrades, with the goal of identifying ways to make these improvements more affordable without compromising water quality. The review will involve consulting with multiple stakeholders, including the University of Hawaii's Water Resources Research Center and College of Engineering, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, county governments, wastewater industry professionals, and other relevant agencies from other states. The department is mandated to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by twenty days before the 2027 regular legislative session, and is authorized to adopt new rules based on its findings. The bill also appropriates an unspecified amount of funding for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to hire a consultant to assist in this review process. This legislation stems from Hawaii's significant cesspool pollution problem, with over 80,000 cesspools discharging approximately 50 million gallons of wastewater into groundwater daily, which poses substantial environmental and public health risks. The bill builds upon previous legislative efforts (Act 125 from 2017 and Act 87 from 2022) aimed at requiring cesspool upgrades or conversions, with the current focus being on finding more cost-effective solutions to this environmental challenge. The bill is set to take effect on December 31, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=734&year=2026