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Senators weigh cost, equity of wastewater and cesspool bills; health department seeks positions to run grants
Summary
Three related measures—HB734, HB735 and HB879—drew broad support from environmental groups, counties and the Department of Health; lawmakers pressed the department on cost, prioritization and local implementation for converting cesspools and updating rules.
A package of bills on wastewater systems and cesspool conversions prompted extended testimony at the joint Senate hearing, where environmental organizations, county officials and homeowner advocates urged lawmakers to ease financial barriers for homeowners while preserving water quality protections.
The bills discussed included HB734 (rules and updates for wastewater systems), HB735 (limits on bedrooms per individual wastewater system) and HB879 (a grant program to help low‑ and moderate‑income homeowners upgrade cesspools). The Department of Health testified in support of the bills but told senators it needed additional staff to administer grant programs.
Why it matters: Hawaii has an estimated large number of cesspools statewide. Witnesses said converting them is expensive and that state rules and county…
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