Establish Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund

Hawaiʻi’s 83,000 cesspools discharge an estimated 52 million gallons of untreated sewage into the environment each day, making cesspool pollution one of the greatest threats to water quality statewide. Because cesspools are unlined pits in the ground, sewage seeps into groundwater and ultimately reaches streams, nearshore waters, and beaches. Hawaiʻi’s porous volcanic geology, shallow groundwater, and increasing climate impacts such as flooding and sea level rise further exacerbate the problem.

This contamination threatens public health, degrades water quality, fuels harmful algal blooms that damages coral reefs- ecosystems that protect our shorelines, sustain fisheries, and support recreation and local economies.

Hawaiʻi Statute (Act 125) requires all cesspools to be upgraded or converted by 2050, yet significant barriers continue to hinder progress. Affordability remains one of the greatest challenges, with upfront costs for conversions often costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars and out of reach for many households.

While a revolving loan does not eliminate the cost of conversion, it provides accessible, lower-interest financing that makes compliance achievable for more households. Currently, the upfront investment is largely prohibitive, delaying conversions- and our water quality continues to suffer as a result. If Hawaiʻi is serious about meeting its statutory deadline, we must provide homeowners with practical, attainable pathways to comply.

HB 1618 provides a critical financing tool to accelerate conversions statewide, prioritize low- and moderate-income households, and ensure the 2050 mandate is not just aspirational, but achievable.

HB1618 passed out of the legislature and awaits the Governors signature.