Cesspool conversion isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s an act of care. For your property. For your family. For the future of these islands.
Hawaiʻi is one of the most beautiful and biologically unique places on Earth, but it’s also one of the most fragile. Our coral reefs, native marine life, loko iʻa (fishponds), and aquifers form an interconnected system. A system that cesspools quietly pollute every single day.
A Daily Threat Below the Surface
Right now, more than 50 million gallons of raw sewage seep into Hawaiʻi’s soil & water every day from unconverted cesspools.
Waste carries harmful bacteria and excess nutrients into our drinking water, streams, and reefs. It fuels algae blooms, kills coral, and disrupts native ecosystems.
If left unchecked, many of Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs could collapse within the next 20 years, according to state and federal reports. That’s not just an environmental loss, it’s a cultural, economic, and generational one.
The State Mandate: No Cesspools by 2050
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Priority 1 (near water sources, shorelines, or streams): convert by 2030/2035 – Proposed
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Priority 2 (moderate risk): convert by 2035/2040 – Proposed
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Priority 3 (low risk): convert by 2050 – Law
Converting your cesspool is one of the most direct ways to protect the health of your land & community. When you upgrade, you help:
Waiting doesn’t save money, it increases risk. Delaying conversion can result in:
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Fines or enforcement actions from state or county agencies
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Permit holds that block home improvements or additions
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Lost resale value or buyer hesitation
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Significantly higher costs as contractor availability tightens and demand surges
In the last decade, conversion costs have already risen 30–50%, and those trends are only accelerating. Acting early means you lock in pricing, avoid future stress, and have more control over the process.
You Don’t Just Live in Hawaiʻi. You Care for It.
Whether you grew up here or came here with purpose, you understand that living in Hawaiʻi comes with responsibility. Cesspool conversion isn’t just about compliance: it’s about doing your part to preserve what makes these islands so extraordinary.
Grants & Assistance May Be Available
From time to time, the state, counties, or other agencies may offer grants, pilot programs, or low-interest loans to support cesspool conversions. These opportunities are often limited, vary by location, and typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Our team stays up to date on what’s available and can help you determine eligibility, complete the applications, and navigate the process so you don’t miss a chance for assistance.
In July 2026, Hawaiʻi enacted HB 1618, creating a state Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund administered by the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority to offer low-interest and potentially forgivable loans to homeowners. The program is still being set up and loan terms have not yet been published — we’re tracking it closely and can help you apply as soon as it opens.