Legislative Task Force

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What is WAI’s Legislative Task Force?

Each year, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations (WAI) leads a Legislative Task Force to help raise much-needed awareness of policy changes at the state level regarding Hawaiʻi’s issues with cesspools and the wastewater industry. The Task Force is composed of a coalition of passionate individuals, including representatives of environmental non-profits, law students, industry experts, and enthusiastic volunteers.

  • The Task Force, with support from WAI, brainstorms legislative strategies, submits testimony, and canvases for bill support.

  • WAI streamlines participation by distilling information before and during each legislative session and providing updates on bill tracking and progression.

  • Additionally, WAI informs the Task Force of recommended actions and opportunities for input, such as submitting testimony at critical points in the legislative session.

Overarching Policy Goals

Expand the existing Individual Wastewater Technologies (IWS) and cluster/decentralized systems approved by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH).

Increase overall funding for pilot projects.

Enhance funding opportunities for low and moderate-income homeowners in high-priority areas. (e.g. support tax rebates, low-interest loans, etc.)

Increase the range of approved technology and pricing options for homeowners to allow them to make better decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Address the conversion of the State’s most critical cesspools, as defined by the DOH.

2026 Policy Priorities

Top Legislative Priorities: 

  • HB1730 / SB2980 – Relating to Wastewater Systems (DOH Technical Advisory Group)

  • HB2245 / SB2753 – Relating to Wastewater Systems (Denitrification near shoreline)

  • HB1618 / SB2770 – Relating to Cesspools (Financing and Loan Program for conversions)

Notable Successes

2016

ACT 120 Passed

Banned the construction of new cesspools & offered homeowners a $10k tax break to upgrade their systems

2017

ACT 125 Passed

Mandated upgrade of all cesspools by 2050 & required DOH to complete Priority Upgrade Areas Report

2018

2022

2024

HB 879 - Established and funded a position in the Department of Health to manage cesspool upgrades.

HB 736 - Launched a three-year wastewater system technology testing pilot program at UH.

HB 735 - Allows wastewater systems to serve up to five bedrooms.

2025

HB2743 - Requires UH to develop cesspool priority areas for sewer expansion by 1/1/2050 (ACT 125 deadline). Funds appropriated.

Resources

Apply to Join the 2025 Legislative Task Force