Environment-Clean Water

We are the team that’s fighting to keep Hawaii’s land and water protected, safe and clean.  Using science, policy and partnerships we fight to keep our water, reefs and beaches clean.   In 2024 we will be focused on legislation that enforces the Clean Water Act and pushes to convert cesspools earlier than 2050. 

BILLS WE ARE TRACKING:

SUMMARY	HOUSE BILLS	SENATE BILLS
Requires Dept. of Health to report on cesspool Compliance Pilot Grant Project (established by Act 153) prior to regular 2025 session.  Establishes 3 FTEs to implement project		SB2360
Funds for consultants to identify necessary public outreach and education resources and tools and develop strategy and website to educate homeowners and professionals about upgrade, conversion, and connection requirements and deadlines, mandatory seller disclosures		SB2425
Accelerates mandatory upgrade deadlines	HB1892 Adds consultants, funds	SB2426 Adds funds for cesspool compliance pilot grant project, establishes income tax credit
Each county must develop and maintain wastewater management plan, cesspool pollution fee, grants, low-interest loans	HB2743
Requires newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems that are near the shoreline, or likely to pollute groundwater, to include denitrification capacity	HB1691	X
New 3 yr wastewater system demonstration and implementation pilot program within UH Sea Grant College Program	HB2264	SB2513 Adds implementation in Priority 1 areas, add priority setting for Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau, annual reports, FTEs
Cesspools used by transient accommodations must be upgraded before 1/1/2035 for Priority 1 and before 1/1/2040 for Priority 2	HB1759	X

ENVIRONMENT – CLEAN WATER
Leads:	Betsy, Barbara
Email:	environment@indivisiblehawaii.org
Other:

Partners: