SB2567 Summary

• Establishes a Cesspool Conversion Working Group within the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive plan for converting all Hawaii cesspools to alternative waste treatment systems or sewer connections by 2050

• Working group shall consist of the Director of Health (chair), county wastewater representatives, industry experts, university researchers, financial sector representatives, environmental organizations, and legislative members

• Working group must submit an interim report by December 31, 2019, and a final report by twenty days before the 2021 legislative session, then dissolve on 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 $500,000 to the University of Hawaii for the sewage contamination study and $1,000,000 to the Department of Health for research and technical assistance related to the cesspool conversion plan