Cesspool, Septic and Sewer Awareness

Mālama i ka wai, mālama i ka 'āina.

Across Hawaiʻi, more than 83,000 cesspools still release untreated wastewater directly into the ground every day. That wastewater seeps into our groundwater the same water that feeds our drinking wells, streams, and nearshore reefs. In rural and coastal communities like Waiʻanae, these systems can directly affect the health of our ʻohana, ecosystems, and fisheries.

In 2017, Hawaiʻi passed Act 125, requiring all cesspools to be upgraded, converted, or connected to sewer by 2050. This effort isn’t only about meeting regulations it’s about restoring balance between our people and our ʻāina.

The resources below can help homeowners, renters, and community members understand what’s happening, see if their home is in a priority area, and learn how to plan for conversion. Through conversation mapping we gathered real questions from local families to create this FAQ sharing answers and resources to protect our wai and ʻohana.

Conversation Mapping Initiative

The Capacity Collaborative, in partnership with Kingdom Pathways, has released a June 2025 update on the Wastewater, Cesspool, and Septic Conversations in Hawaiʻi.

This updated report documents key findings from four Conversation Mapping events held across Oʻahu and Molokaʻi. These events gathered input from community members, government officials, and organizations regarding cesspool conversion, septic system maintenance, wastewater infrastructure, and related concerns.

The report includes:

Verbatim transcripts from each mapping session, preserving the voices and input of participants
Transcripts and analysis from events in Waiʻanae, Pearl City (DOH), Molokaʻi, and Nānākuli.
Common community concerns regarding cost, communication, enforcement, and alternatives.
Recommendations for future action, including FAQ development, funding access, and community outreach.

For questions or to host a Conversation Mapping session in your community, please contact:
Carmen Guzman-Simpliciano – carmengs@capcollab.org
Elaine McCarty – elainem@capcollab.org

— The Capacity Collaborative & Kingdom Pathways

Cesspool & Septic Resources

Understanding the Mandate & Risks

Cesspools release untreated sewage that pollutes groundwater and coastal waters, harming reefs and posing health risks.

Learn about the statewide conversion plan and see maps and updates at the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Wastewater Branch DOH Cesspool Information Portal

Interactive Tool – Where Does Your Property Stand?

Curious if your home or property is in a priority area for cesspool conversion? Use the Hawaiʻi Cesspool Prioritization Tool (HCPT) an interactive map created by the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and the DOH. Open the Cesspool Prioritization Tool

Homeowner Guidance – What to Do Next?

If you own or live on a property with a cesspool, there are several options for upgrading. These include installing an Individual Wastewater System (IWS) such as an aerobic treatment unit or connecting to an available sewer line if nearby.

The DOH outlines steps, permits, and requirements for each system type, including a list of licensed engineers and contractors who can help design or install your system. DOH Homeowner Guidance for IWS

Financial Assistance & Incentives

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health once offered a Cesspool Pilot Grant Program and a $10,000 Income Tax Credit to help homeowners with conversion costs. These programs have since ended but they showed what real support can look like.

Our community can advocate to state representatives to reestablish funding and incentives that make wastewater upgrades affordable for local families. Clean water is a shared responsibility, and equitable support ensures everyone can take part.

Partner & Community Initiatives

Through our partnership with the Capacity Collaborative, we’re engaging communities statewide to shape messaging that reflects our values, our ‘āina, and our future. These focus groups are helping to improve how government agencies communicate about cesspool and septic conversions.