Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap (CAWAG)
What is Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap (CAWAG) Community Initiative ?
Hawai‘i faces a unique and urgent wastewater crisis. With over 82,000 active cesspools across the islands discharging more than 52 million gallons of untreated wastewater daily into our groundwater, streams, and nearshore waters, the need for action is critical especially in isolated rural and underserved communities.
The Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative is a joint effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that aims to address these inequities by helping communities across the U.S. gain access to reliable, safe, and sustainable wastewater systems.
Objectives:
Observe existing infrastructure (cesspools, neighborhood layout, topography, etc.)
Listen to community input, concepts and preferences on technology, solutions and plans
Evaluate viable options, including cost estimates and schedule
Provide Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to support funding applications for cesspool conversions and wastewater infrastructure improvements
The EPA and USDA is offering no cost technical assistance (TA) resources to help underserved communities with failing septic/ cesspools identify, and pursue, federal funding opportunities to address wastewater needs.
Support communities to identify water challenges, develop plans, build capacity, and develop application materials to access water infrastructure funding.
Use of Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and other federal funding to support cesspool conversions and wastewater management solutions.
History
The initiative launched in 2022 as a pilot program for 11 communities, and was funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In 2024, the EPA expanded it to support 150 communities across the U.S. and its territories, including Hawai‘i.
The CAWAG Process
Step One: Conduct Community Wastewater Review and Community Outreach
Step Five: Implementation
Step Three: Help Identify and Seek Funding
Step Two: Develop Wastewater Solution Plan
Step 4: Develop a Plan to Pay for Ongoing Costs
Project: Hāna
Hāna is one of the more isolated and underserved communities in Hawai‘i when it comes to wastewater infrastructure. With limited access to centralized systems and a high reliance on aging cesspools, many residents face serious challenges that threaten both public health and the environment.
As part of the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative, WAI has identified Hāna as a priority area due to its cultural significance, rural setting, and urgent infrastructure needs. Our focus is on building long-term, community-driven solutions that reflect the values, voices, and vision of the people of Hāna.
In partnership with local leaders, community members, and federal agencies, we are working to:
Assess current wastewater conditions
Provide technical assistance and education
Identify funding pathways for household and community scale solutions
Ensure that Native Hawaiian and rural perspectives guide every step of the process
We mahalo everyone who joined us for our first community meeting and shared their manaʻo!
📄 View the Meeting Notes and Slides (July 15, 2025)
🎥 Watch the Full Recording Here
Upcoming Events in Hāna
📅 Community Meeting & Listening Session
Dates: August 18, 2025 (5.30-7.00PM)
Details: WAI staff and partners will be presenting in a virtual town hall within Hāna providing an overview of CAWAG and meeting the project team, discussing the pathways to funding cesspool conversions, providing background on cesspool-related laws and conversion technology options, and encouraging public participation in a Q&A session with wastewater experts and local legislators.
Priority Area: Hāna
Number of Cesspools in frame 192. Defined by Hawai‘i Department of Health
Contact us
Stay connected as we continue this important work together. If you would like to contact WAI please do not hesitate to reach out with your questions, recommendations and concerns. You can reach us by email via gabby@waicleanwater.org or info@waicleanwater.org.
More updates coming soon!