HI HR139

Requests the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to conduct a feasibility study on new technologies for cesspool water remediation, including organic biodegradable water clarifiers

Approximately 88,000 cesspools exist statewide, with Hawaii island containing nearly 50,000, and cesspools are contaminating groundwater, streams, drinking water, and coastal ecosystems

Act 125 (2017) requires all cesspools in Hawaii to be upgraded, converted to approved wastewater systems, or connected to sewerage systems by January 1, 2050

Study should examine technologies applicable to individual homes, multi-unit dwellings, apartment buildings, and entire communities as cost-effective alternatives to existing infrastructure

University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session convenes