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Bill

HB 1618

RELATING TO CESSPOOL CONVERSIONS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Chun and 17 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill requiring or incentivizing property owners to convert cesspools to compliant septic or municipal wastewater systems to protect groundwater and public water supplies.

Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
#appropriation($) #cesspoolconversionfinancingprogram #hgia #cesspoolconversionrevolvingloanfund #hawaiigreeninfrastructurespecialfund
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Bill Summary · HB 1618

Legislative bill overview

HB 1618 addresses the conversion of cesspools to compliant wastewater systems in Hawaii. The bill aims to establish requirements, timelines, or incentives for property owners to transition away from cesspools, which are antiquated on-site sewage disposal systems that pose environmental and public health risks.

Why is this important

Cesspools contaminate groundwater and drinking water supplies, particularly threatening Hawaii's freshwater aquifers on which island communities heavily depend. Converting cesspools to septic systems or connecting to municipal sewers reduces pollution, protects public health, and addresses a longstanding environmental liability affecting thousands of Hawaiian properties.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs and timeline burden: Mandatory conversions could impose significant financial hardship on property owners, particularly low-income households and rural residents, without sufficient assistance programs or extended deadlines
  • Feasibility and technical barriers: Some properties may lack space or soil conditions suitable for conventional septic systems, making conversion technically impossible without expensive alternative solutions
  • Government funding responsibility: Disagreement over whether the state should subsidize conversions versus placing the financial burden entirely on individual property owners

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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