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Council approves Bill 15 (CD2 FD1) to offer grants for cesspool conversions; third reading passes
Summary
Bill 15 (CD2 FD1), which establishes a grant program to help families convert cesspools to septic or sewer systems, passed third reading after councilmembers highlighted environmental urgency and financial burdens on households.
The Honolulu City Council on third reading passed Bill 15 CD2 FD1, a measure to create grants intended to help residents convert cesspools to septic or sewer systems in priority areas.
Supporters framed the measure as an approach to address environmental harm while reducing the financial burden on working families who may face sewer fee increases. Council member Tupala said, “Bill 15 is part of a solution by offering grants to families to help convert cesspools to septic or sewer system,” and noted the scale of the problem: “There are about 11,000 cesspools on Oahu and in priority areas like Mokuleia and Ka'aava... they may have to convert upwards of 30,000 to pay to transfer a cesspool into the sewer line.”
Council member Weier and other sponsors said the grants pair with resiliency programs and nonprofit partners to reduce household costs and promote environmental improvements. The council waived the 48-hour amendment notice by unanimous consent for the FD1 amendment and proceeded to a roll‑call vote; the Clerk recorded 9 ayes and Bill 15 CD2 FD1 passed third reading.
Council members emphasized continued work with stakeholders, state agencies and nonprofits to identify funding sources and implementation details. The ordinance passed by the council authorizes the framework for grants; specific program rules, funding amounts and application procedures were not specified on the council floor and will require follow-up by staff and relevant departments.
