H.B. 2196 Summary

• Requires onsite sewage disposal system servicers to report to the Department of Health any system receiving two or more pump services within one year, along with annual service records including dates, types of services, and tax map key numbers.

• Establishes definitions for onsite sewage disposal systems including cesspools, septic systems, and aerobic treatment unit systems.

• Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program to conduct a two-year comprehensive statewide outreach program on sewage contamination and cesspool conversion options to meet a 2050 deadline for converting all cesspools statewide.

• Appropriates funds for the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to research the most cost-effective methods to upgrade cesspools and reduce impacts on drinking water and groundwater.

• Requires the cesspool conversion working group to compile an updated statewide database of onsite sewage disposal systems and submit findings and recommendations to the Department of Health and legislature by 2021; effective July 1, 2050.