S.B. 2513 Summary

• Establishes a three-year new wastewater system and individual wastewater system technology demonstration and implementation pilot program within the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to examine, demonstrate, and implement new cesspool and wastewater treatment technologies.

• Requires administration of at least four cesspool system demonstration projects in priority level 1 areas identified by the 2021 Hawaii Cesspool Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Tool, with at least one project in each county and at least one on Molokai.

• Directs the University of Hawaii to establish a ranking system similar to the prioritization categories for the islands of Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau, which were not fully covered in the 2021 assessment.

• Requires the University of Hawaii to submit annual interim reports and a final report by 2028 detailing technologies reviewed, cesspools converted, conversion costs, and recommendations on program continuation.

• Appropriates funds from the state general fund for the pilot program implementation and to establish two new engineering positions (one Engineer V and one Engineer IV) within the Department of Health's wastewater branch; pilot program terminates June 30, 2027.