This webpage provides information on funding and financing opportunities for homeowners, including the DOH Cesspool Pilot Grant Program. Explore the resources below to find the funding option that will work best for your needs.
What is the DOH Cesspool Pilot Program?
DOH CESSPOOL PILOT PROGRAM
WAI is very excited to share that the DOH has launched a grant program that aims to help support the financial burden of low- and moderate-income property owners in converting, upgrading, or connecting their cesspools to a more environmentally friendly wastewater management system.
Under this program, eligible recipients can receive up to $20,000 in reimbursements for their conversion or connection costs incurred. The total grant program is $5 million, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to funding availability. The priority of an application will be determined by its submission date.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must:
Be an owner of real property or a Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) lessee
Have the subject cesspool located in either a priority level 1 or 2 using DOH’s map. Note: Properties within a highlighted red zone are eligible to apply.
Have an household income that meets the specified requirements outlined within the attached document.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, complete and submit an application to any DOH office, but if mailing, application must be sent to: Department of Health Wastewater Branch on Oahu
Address:
State of Hawaii, Wastewater Branch
2827 Waimano Home Road, Ste 207
Pearl City, Hawaii 96782
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Department staff will review and process the application, then notify the applicant roughly a month after receiving as to whether or not they are eligible to receive the grant.
If your application is accepted, you will be required to submit the following documents within 9 months of receiving grant qualification letter:
Design plans prepared by a licensed engineer
Engineers final construction inspection report
Copy of Approval-to-use letter of Wastewater System
Receipts of payments made to the licensed engineer or contractor
WAI is really excited about this opportunity that will support homeowners with the conversion of cesspools and to provide assistance to those in greatest need. Check out our 1 pager here
Alternative Financial Resources
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Also known as Section 502 Direct Loan Program
Apply via the USDA website
More details on this info sheet
Please contact info@waicleanwater.org for questions or assistance
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Provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural areas for necessary repairs, including those related to water and waste disposal systems.
Also known as Section 504 Home Repair Program
Apply via the USDA website
More details on this info sheet
Please contact info@waicleanwater.org for questions or assistance
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Home inspection required
Apply via the City & County of Honolulu website
More details on this info sheet
Please contact info@waicleanwater.org for questions or assistance