HI HB1985

Hawaii has over 80,000 cesspools discharging approximately 50 million gallons of untreated wastewater into groundwater daily, harming drinking water, coral reefs, and public health

All cesspools must be upgraded, converted to approved wastewater systems, or connected to sewerage before January 1, 2050, unless granted an exemption

Property owners may receive up to 5-year extensions of the conversion deadline by demonstrating financial inability to pay for the upgrade despite efforts to finance it

Exemptions from conversion requirements may be granted for legitimate reasons including small lot size, steep topography, poor soils, accessibility issues, or planned sewerage development in the area

Appropriates unspecified general funds to the Department of Health to hire consultants for developing public outreach resources, education strategies, and a statewide website about cesspool conversion requirements