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Bill

Bill

SB 212

RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Samantha DeCorte and 1 co-sponsor

Hawaii bill addressing cesspool regulation to protect groundwater and public health while managing compliance costs for property owners reliant on septic systems.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#cesspoolconversion #exemption #mandate
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Bill Summary · SB 212

Legislative bill overview

SB 212 is a Hawaii bill addressing cesspool regulation and management, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the introduced materials provided. The bill has been referred to committees on Health and Human Services/Agriculture and Environment, as well as Ways and Means/Judiciary and Civil Law, suggesting it involves environmental standards, public health, or fiscal considerations related to cessppool systems.

Why this is important

Cesspools are on-site sewage disposal systems used in areas without municipal sewer access, primarily in rural and island communities. Hawaii has significant reliance on cesspools, and their regulation affects environmental protection (groundwater contamination risk), public health, property values, and the cost burden on homeowners for upgrades or maintenance—impacting both individual households and state environmental compliance.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance costs: Stricter cesspool standards or phase-out mandates could impose significant financial burdens on homeowners, particularly in rural areas with limited alternatives
  • Infrastructure gaps: Hawaii's limited centralized sewage infrastructure means alternatives to cesspools may not be available or affordable for all residents
  • Environmental vs. property rights: Balancing environmental protection goals against landowner autonomy and property rights concerns

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

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