Bill > HB749

This bill addresses the environmental and public health challenges posed by cesspools in Hawaii by establishing a new Cesspool Conversion Section within the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch. The bill recognizes that Hawaii has over 80,000 cesspools discharging approximately 50 million gallons of wastewater daily, which harm public health, contaminate drinking water, and damage marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. The new section will be responsible for managing state financing options for cesspool conversion, developing public outreach and education, informing cesspool owners about conversion assistance, managing grants, securing federal funding, and facilitating partnerships with counties and other organizations. The bill defines "conversion of cesspools" as connecting to a sewerage system or upgrading to a director-approved wastewater system. It also appropriates funding to establish full-time equivalent positions within the new section, with the goal of helping Hawaii transition away from these outdated and environmentally harmful wastewater systems. The legislation is rooted in the state's constitutional obligation to protect public health and environmental resources, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.