What homeowners need to know from property review through final records.
A Hawaiʻi licensed civil engineer evaluates the property, prepares the wastewater design, and submits it for review. After approval, a licensed contractor installs the system. The exact steps depend on the site and the approved design.
Determine whether the property uses a cesspool, another onsite wastewater system, or an approved sewer connection. Useful starting information includes the property address, TMK, ownership records, and any wastewater documents already available.
If the status is unclear, a licensed professional or the responsible agency can help identify the records and confirmation needed for the parcel.
Gather basic building information, known system locations, prior plans, and the reason you are considering work. Include proposed renovations or added wastewater flow because they may affect the evaluation.
Missing records are common. Mark uncertain information clearly so the licensed professional can determine what needs to be verified.
A Hawaiʻi licensed civil engineer must prepare and submit the individual wastewater system design. The engineer considers the property, wastewater flow, soils, setbacks, available space, water features, and current Department of Health requirements.
The engineer determines the required system from the measured property conditions and current rules. A technology on the state allowed system list may still be unsuitable for a particular parcel.
The engineer explains the proposed design, the records or owner information still needed, and the approvals that apply. This is the time to ask where the system may be located, what construction access is needed, and which operating or maintenance obligations may follow.
No single public checklist covers every property. Use the engineer's current instructions for the project.
The engineer submits the required design and application material to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Agency questions or requested revisions are handled through the engineer.
Review time varies. Historical averages, when published, are not deadlines or estimates for the property.
Construction begins after the required approval is issued. A licensed contractor installs the system according to the approved design, and the engineer handles the professional work required for the project.
Contractor availability, access, excavation, materials, weather, and site conditions can affect the work. Ask the engineer and contractor for a schedule based on the actual scope.
After construction, the engineer and contractor prepare the required completion records. The engineer submits the applicable material for agency review and approval to use.
Keep the final approval and the operating and maintenance information for the system with the property records.
Hawaiʻi Cesspool Help collects basic property information and connects homeowners with licensed professionals who can evaluate the property and explain the next steps.
After the connection, the licensed professionals and agencies handle the design, approvals, construction, inspections, closeout, and schedule.
The engineer's evaluation may consider wastewater flow, buildings, wells and water features, property boundaries, slope, soils, access, and available space. The relevant factors and required documentation depend on the property and current rules.
Broad district descriptions cannot diagnose a parcel. A site evaluation is needed before a system type, layout, or construction scope can be established.
Engineering scope, agency review, revisions, contractor availability, excavation, system components, utility work, access, and restoration can affect cost and timing. Published general figures cannot replace a design and proposal for the 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. Check the official program page for updates before relying on eligibility, application timing, rates, or available funds.
Send us the details you have. Hawaiʻi Cesspool Help will collect the information and connect you with a licensed professional who can evaluate the site.
Related resources: permit process overview, frequently asked questions, and homeowner articles and checklists.
Send the address or TMK and tell us what you are trying to accomplish. We will help connect you with an appropriate licensed professional.