HI SB285

Establishes a three-year New Wastewater System Demonstration Pilot Program within the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to examine, demonstrate, and implement new wastewater technology systems for individual homes and larger community-scale solutions.

Requires implementation of at least four wastewater system demonstration projects converting cesspools in Priority Level 1 areas identified in the 2021 Hawaii Cesspool Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Tool Report, with at least one project in each county and one on Molokai.

Directs the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to establish a ranking system similar to the cesspool prioritization tool for the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau, and submit annual reports to the legislature on technologies reviewed, cesspools converted, conversion costs, and program recommendations.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for the pilot program and funds from the water pollution control revolving fund for two full-time equivalent positions (1.0 FTE engineer and 1.0 FTE planner) within the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch to support individual wastewater system application approvals.

Pilot program terminates June 30, 2026, with the bill effective July 1, 2050.