SB 426 Summary

• Accelerates cesspool upgrade deadlines by requiring priority level 1 cesspools (13,821 in the state) to be upgraded, converted to approved wastewater systems, or connected to sewerage systems by January 1, 2030, with an exception for recreational residence leases in Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks on Kauai until January 1, 2035.

• Requires priority level 2 cesspools (12,367 in the state) to be upgraded, converted, or connected by January 1, 2035, advancing the deadline from the current 2050 requirement.

• Categorizations are based on the University of Hawaii's 2022 Hawaii cesspool hazard assessment and prioritization tool, which identifies cesspools by their environmental contamination hazard level.

• Allows the director of health to grant exemptions from these requirements if property owners demonstrate infeasible conditions including small lot size, steep topography, poor soils, or accessibility issues.

• Maintains the existing 2050 deadline for priority level 3 cesspools (approximately 55,237 remaining cesspools) under current law; effective date July 1, 2050.