Bill > HB1421

This bill creates a new cesspool conversion on-bill financing program to help Hawaii homeowners upgrade or replace their cesspools, which are currently causing significant environmental contamination. The state has nearly 83,000 cesspools that release over 53 million gallons of untreated sewage into the ground daily, threatening groundwater and ocean ecosystems. The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority will administer a special loan fund to provide low-interest financing for low- and moderate-income homeowners to upgrade their cesspools to approved wastewater systems or connect to sewerage systems. Loan repayments will be integrated directly into property owners' water bills, making the financing more accessible. The program will be funded through legislative appropriations, federal and state funds, loan repayments, and potential county matching funds. Each county is eligible to receive up to $100,000,000 per fiscal year, contingent on providing a 3:1 matching contribution. The bill also allocates funds for system upgrades, program management, and technical infrastructure like reprogramming billing systems to accommodate the new loan repayment mechanism. By creating this innovative financing approach, the bill aims to accelerate cesspool conversions and protect Hawaii's critical water resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1421&year=2025