HI HB2626

Establishes a Cesspool Conversion Working Group within the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive statewide plan for converting all cesspools by 2050.

Working group shall consist of 17 members including representatives from state departments, all four counties, wastewater industry, universities, environmental organizations, and real estate sector.

Working group must submit interim report with preliminary findings by December 31, 2019, and final report with recommendations and proposed legislation no later than twenty days before the 2021 legislative session; group dissolves January 14, 2021.

Requires the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to conduct a comprehensive statewide study of sewage contamination in nearshore marine areas and submit findings by October 1, 2019.

Appropriates funding to the Department of Health and University of Hawaii for fiscal year 2018-2019 to support the working group and conduct the sewage contamination study (specific amounts left blank in bill).