Requesting Each County To Develop A Comprehensive Integrated Wastewater Management Plan And Financial Strategy To Upgrade Or Convert Cesspools Located Within Its Respective Jurisdiction By 2050.
The resolution builds upon Act 125 of the Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, which mandates the upgrade or conversion of cesspools to approved wastewater systems by January 1, 2050, with exemptions managed by the Director of Health. Given the considerable costs associated with this effort, ranging from $880 million to over $5.3 billion, there is a pressing need for financial strategies to alleviate the burden on private and residential property owners. The resolution indicates that a lack of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, could complicate these conversions.
Senate Resolution 216 requests that each county in Hawaii develops a comprehensive integrated wastewater management plan and financial strategy for upgrading or converting cesspools within their jurisdiction by the year 2050. This resolution comes in response to the significant number of cesspools in the state—approximately 83,000—which pose environmental and public health risks. The resolution emphasizes the need for proper planning and collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure efficient conversion processes.
By mandating counties to submit their plans to the legislature, the resolution encourages accountability and oversight regarding the management of sewage systems. While the supportive narrative emphasizes the importance of community health and environmental protection, there may be contention over how the counties will finance the required infrastructure projects. Additionally, the diverse geographical and infrastructural capabilities of each county could lead to varying levels of effectiveness and challenges in meeting the 2050 deadline.