We're excited to share a meaningful step forward for cleaner water and healthier communities across our islands.

On July 8, 2026, Governor Josh Green signed HB1618 into law. This act establishes a Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund to make cesspool upgrades more affordable for local families.

The program will be administered by the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority (HGIA) and jump-started with Green Fee revenue and other dedicated funding sources. Eligible homeowners will gain access to low-interest — and in some cases forgivable — loans to convert cesspools to approved wastewater systems or connect to sewers.

This is exactly the kind of progress our association exists to champion: supporting local families, protecting our wai, and building a more sustainable Hawaiʻi for generations to come.

How you can help - We encourage members to share this opportunity within your networks and direct interested homeowners to the resources below:

• Bill text and status — HB1618, Hawaiʻi State Legislature: Measure Status Details for HB 1618

• HGIA Cesspool Conversion Loan Program: Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority

• News coverage and background:
   – Hawaiʻi Public Radio: Hawaiʻi approves program to help pay for cesspool conversions | Hawai'i Public Radio
   – Civil Beat: https: A Last-Minute Miracle For A Bill To Help Hawaiʻi Convert Cesspools - Honolulu Civil Beat

Mahalo to our legislators, partners, and communities for advancing solutions that protect Hawaiʻi for generations. Together, we're making a real difference for the health of our island home.

🗺️ A New Tool to Support Cesspool Conversion Planning

HWEA members working on cesspool conversion projects now have access to a new Act 217 Sewer Expansion Overlay Tool. This interactive mapping tool helps identify high-density cesspool areas where centralized sewer expansion may be technically and economically feasible.

The tool provides project-area information including planning status, feasibility tier, and relevant planning documentation—helping project teams and homeowners better understand potential sewer expansion opportunities.

👉 Explore the Act 217 Sewer Expansion Overlay Tool and learn more about this new planning resource.

Please note: This is a planning-level screening tool, not an engineering study, and does not confirm funding, approvals, prioritization, or future sewer availability.

Sewer Expansion Overlay Tool: Act 217 Sewer Expansion Overlay – Hawaii Sea Grant

Cesspool Prioritzation Tool: Hawai‘i Cesspool Hazard Assessment & Prioritization Tool – Hawaii Sea Grant