Hawaii House Bill HR33

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Report Pass: 4/1/26
• Refer: 4/1/26
• Report Pass: 4/9/26
• Passed: 4/9/26

Caption

Encouraging Hawaii County, In Collaboration With The Puak Community, Department Of Health, And Other Stakeholders, To Complete The Puak Sewage Project.

Impact

The resolution outlines a comprehensive approach to addressing the cesspool crisis by promoting the installation of advanced wastewater collection technology alongside improved broadband infrastructure for rural communities. The bill recognizes that the transition to approved wastewater systems is essential for public health and environmental sustainability. By 2050, all cesspools must be upgraded or converted, with an estimated cost exceeding $1.5 billion — highlighting the critical need for financial and community support mechanisms to facilitate these upgrades.

Summary

House Resolution 33 encourages Hawaii County, in collaboration with the Puakō community, Department of Health, and other stakeholders, to complete the Puakō Sewage Project. This initiative is a response to the critical need for effective wastewater management in the Puakō area, known for its significant coral reefs and environmental degradation due to untreated sewage. With approximately 80,000 cesspools discharging 53 million gallons of untreated sewage annually into Hawaii's environment, this bill emphasizes the urgency of upgrading these cesspools to prevent further ecological harm.

Contention

There may be contention around the adequacy of resources and funding allocated for this project, as the existing financial support programs are insufficient to cover conversion costs for homeowners in affected areas. Moreover, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the complexities of collaboration among public, private, and philanthropic entities in addressing a crisis deemed too significant for any single group to handle. Establishing a replicable model to effectively manage cesspool conversion and closing the digital divide poses further challenges.

Further considerations

The Puakō Sewage Project is not only about wastewater management — it is also intended to serve as a demonstration of innovative financing strategies and governance structures that can inspire similar efforts statewide. By integrating technology performance with community engagement, the bill aims to enhance environmental protection, public health, and economic opportunity through improved infrastructure and collaborative governance.