The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2000 published a rule requiring the closure of all existing large capacity cesspools (LCCs) by April 5, 2005. In Ka‘ū, the sugar plantation company C. Brewer built and operated large capacity cesspools connected to properties in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu. In 2003, C. Brewer requested assistance from the County of Hawai‘i to close the large capacity cesspools. In 2010, the County of Hawai'i agreed to assume ownership of the existing collection system and large capacity cesspools with the goal of constructing a new and improved wastewater treatment system for Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu. In furtherance of those goals the County of Hawai‘i, under the Administrative Order on Consent issued in 2017, revised in 2022 and again in 2024, is closing the large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu.
🚧CONSTRUCTION START 7/7/2025 |
🚧CONSTRUCTION END 5/11/2026 |
🎉COLLECTION SYSTEM OPERATIONAL TBD |
⚠️DEADLINE TO CLOSE LCCs 1/22/2027 |
The new collection system will connect 109 existing LCC-served properties (green) and provide access to an additional 65 parcels (purple). Construction work includes exploratory excavation and potholing, sewer and water line installation, lateral connections to the 109 existing LCC-served properties, and roadway restoration and paving.
Wastewater from the new system will eventually be routed to a centralized treatment plant. Bid solicitation for construction starts on June 30, 2025.
Who was the project awarded to?
The County has awarded a $30.9 million contract to Goodfellow Bros. The contractor is responsible for building the new collection system.
What happens to the wastewater once it enters the new system?
Wastewater will be routed to a centralized treatment plant. That facility will be constructed as a separate project.
Is this a legally mandated project?
Yes. The project is part of the County’s obligations under an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) with the EPA. Visit our Regulatory Documents and Filings page to view all documents.
How can the public track compliance?
Read the Semi-Annual Compliance Report for both communities, covering July 1 through December 31, 2024 and visit our Regulatory Documents and Filings page to view all documents.
When is the next public meeting?
The next semiannual meeting for both communities will be held on August 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in Nā‘ālehu.
✉️ cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov
📞 808-961-8800