FAQ

Hawaiʻi law requires cesspools that do not qualify for an exemption to be upgraded, converted to a Department of Health approved wastewater system, or connected to sewer before January 1, 2050.

Yes. Current Department of Health guidance identifies situations that can trigger conversion outside the general deadline. Examples include certain building modifications, nuisance or health conditions, excessive pumping, repeated spills, and direct disposal into groundwater. The facts and current rules need to be checked for the property.

Current Department of Health guidance does not list a property sale, by itself, as an automatic statewide accelerated conversion trigger. Buyers and sellers should still confirm the wastewater system, available records, and any requirement for the property during due diligence.

No. The Department of Health FAQ states that the proposed earlier priority deadline discussed in 2025 did not pass. The statewide deadline remains before January 1, 2050, subject to exemptions and other applicable requirements.

State law allows exemptions in limited circumstances. Eligibility depends on the law and the facts of the property. Check current Department of Health guidance before relying on an exemption.

Gather the property address, TMK, any wastewater records you have, and a short description of your plans. Start with Hawaiʻi Cesspool Help, and we will collect the basic information and connect you with a licensed professional.

A Hawaiʻi licensed civil engineer must prepare and submit the individual wastewater system design. The engineer evaluates the property, identifies applicable requirements, and explains which design and approval steps apply.

The final system depends on the property, wastewater flow, soils, setbacks, available space, water features, and Department of Health requirements. A technology appearing on the state allowed system list does not establish that it is suitable for a particular parcel.

A sewer connection may be an option where service is available and the connection can be approved. Nearby infrastructure alone does not confirm that a specific property can connect. Verify availability and requirements with the responsible utility or county agency.

The engineer evaluates the site, prepares the design, and submits it to the Department of Health. Construction begins after approval. A licensed contractor installs the system, and the engineer submits the completion records needed for final review.

There is no reliable universal timeline. Design work, agency review, revisions, contractor availability, site conditions, and construction needs vary. Ask the licensed professionals working on the property for current scheduling information for the project.

A current estimate for the property requires an evaluation and a defined design. Cost can be affected by the selected system, site access, excavation, electrical or plumbing work, disposal area requirements, and restoration. General figures should not be treated as a quote for a particular property.

The Department of Health lists a 2026 Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Program that is under development and expected to be administered by the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority. Current published program information does not yet establish eligibility, rates, application timing, or available funds.

Begin with the property evaluation and design scope so contractors can price the same approved work. Ask licensed professionals to explain what their proposals include, which items remain uncertain, and which maintenance costs may apply to the selected system.

Hawaiʻi Cesspool Help collects basic property information and connects homeowners with licensed professionals who can evaluate the property and explain the next steps.

Hawaiʻi Cesspool Help does not provide engineering designs or construction. Licensed professionals perform that work.

The licensed professionals and agencies handle the design, approvals, construction, inspections, closeout, and schedule. Hawaiʻi Cesspool Help collects the basic property information and routes the inquiry to a licensed professional.

Send the property address, TMK if available, basic building information, any wastewater records you already have, and the reason you are looking at the system now. Missing records do not prevent you from starting the intake.