The initiative comes as Hawaii faces significant environmental and public health threats from more than 80,000 outdated cesspools that release approximately 50 million gallons of untreated wastewater into groundwater daily. This pollution degrades drinking water, damages coral reefs, and threatens public recreation areas—posing risks not only to biodiversity but also to the state’s tourism and fisheries-based economy.
With traditional septic systems costing $25,000 or more, the pilot program will evaluate newer, potentially lower-cost wastewater solutions, including technologies that can be deployed for single homes, apartment buildings, and entire communities. Many of these systems are just reaching commercial scale and could provide safer, more affordable alternatives to conventional septic or aerobic treatment units.
In collaboration with the UH Sea Grant College Program, the College of Engineering, and agencies such as the Department of Health and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Water Resources Research Center will assess each technology’s affordability, treatment efficiency, and feasibility. Annual reports will be submitted to the state legislature, culminating in a comprehensive evaluation in 2028.
The state has appropriated $745,325 for fiscal year 2025–2026 to support staffing, equipment, and infrastructure needed for the testing effort. While the pilot is set to sunset in June 2028, its results could shape long-term wastewater policy and accelerate Hawaii’s efforts to phase out cesspools by 2050.
