Committee approves pilot program to test new wastewater technologies to help replace cesspools

The House Committee on Higher Education passed HB 736 HD1 to establish and fund a three‑year testing pilot at the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center to evaluate new wastewater and individual wastewater system technologies. The program requires interim and final reports to the legislature.

Testimony from Wastewater Alternatives and Innovation advocates and the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition emphasized that cesspools are a large source of water pollution in Hawaii and that upgrades are costly. Ted Bolen told lawmakers new technologies could reduce excavation or treat waste before it enters the ground, lowering leach‑field needs and overall costs. He said potential options range from cluster systems for neighborhoods to surface‑level package systems that avoid deep excavation.

The Department of Health (John Nagato) and Water Resources Research Center affiliates testified in support. The chair noted an estimate of $745,325 to run the three‑year pilot and the committee voted to pass the bill as is; the bill contains a defective date and a blank appropriation placeholder.

Committee members discussed technologies that could be considered, including reuse of structurally sound cesspool holes and cluster sewers to reduce per‑household costs. The pilot is intended to provide Department of Health the evidence needed to evaluate and certify new treatment technologies.