Imagine flushing your toilet directly into the ground, just inches from pristine waters. That's the reality for many Hawai'i residents who rely on cesspools. These outdated systems threaten public health, pollute our environment, and harm coral reefs. 

ACT 125: CESSPOOL BAN 

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In 2017, the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed Act 125, requiring all cesspools in Hawai‘i to be replaced by 2050. The Act tasked the Hawai‘i Department of Health with identifying and prioritizing cesspool replacements based on public health impact. In 2022, Act 87 expanded replacement options to include upgrades or conversions.

The County of Hawai‘i supports this transition through the Integrated Wastewater Management Plan (IWWMP).

PLAN FOR REPLACING CESSPOOLS

The County of Hawai‘i’s Integrated Wastewater Management Plan (IWWMP) is a guide to help plan for replacing cesspools across the island. It was developed to inform the County’s Legislative Branch and explore possible solutions.

Private landowners are responsible for closing their own cesspools and connecting to an approved wastewater treatment system.

What the IWWMP Covers:

• Expanding Existing Sewer Systems
  Some areas can connect more homes to current wastewater treatment facilities.
• Creating New Sewer Districts
  In communities without sewer systems, new infrastructure could be built—if funding is available.
• Private Cesspool Upgrades
  In rural or remote areas, homeowners may need to upgrade to approved Individual Wastewater Systems (IWS).

⚠️The County’s IWWMP is a planning tool. It does not replace or enforce State regulations; it focuses on long-term wastewater solutions for the island.

PLAN TIMELINE

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CESSPOOL BAN ENFORCEMENT

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The State Department of Health (DOH) sets the rules for wastewater treatment (HAR Title 11, Chapter 62).

The DOH Wastewater Branch enforces the cesspool ban and handles permitting for Individual Wastewater Systems (IWS).

It is the responsibility of private landowners to close their own cesspools and connect to an approved wastewater system.

For more information, contact the DOH Wastewater Branch at 808-586-4400 or visit: health.hawaii.gov/wastewater

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION

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📆Attend Public Meetings

• First Meetings: Watch the recordings here.
• Second Meetings: TBD

📝Review the Draft Plan

The draft Integrated Wastewater Management Plan (IWWMP) will be available at our second public meeting. We welcome your feedback! 

📩Contact Us

• Questions about cesspool closures: Contact the Department of Health: webmail@doh.hawaii.gov
• Questions about the IWWMP: Contact the Department of Environmental Management cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov

💡Learn More

• Hawaiʻi Department of Health
• US Environmental Protection Agency

CONTACT US

 ✉️ cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov

📞 808-961-8099