Bill > HB1421

This bill establishes a cesspool conversion on-bill financing program administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to address the state's significant cesspool pollution problem. Hawaii currently has nearly 83,000 cesspools that release over 53 million gallons of untreated sewage into the ground daily, threatening groundwater and environmental health. The program will provide low-interest loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners to upgrade or convert their cesspools to approved wastewater systems or connect to sewerage systems, with loan repayments included directly on the property owner's water bill. The bill creates a new special fund to support the program, which can receive money from legislative appropriations, federal and private funding sources, and loan repayments. The Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority will be empowered to manage the program, set guidelines, contract with other entities, and coordinate with county water utilities to implement the on-bill repayment mechanism. Counties will be required to match funds on a 3-to-1 basis, with no county receiving more than $100 million per fiscal year. The legislation aims to accelerate cesspool conversions by providing accessible financing options for homeowners who might not qualify for traditional bank loans, building on successful on-bill financing models used for renewable energy and water programs in other states.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1421&year=2026