New environmental laws support DLNR and homeowners with cesspools

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Gov. Josh Green signed two environmental bills into law during a signing ceremony Wednesday morning.

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House Bill 2218 establishes a formal framework for conservation partnerships by authorizing the Department of Land and Natural Resources to make co-management agreements with qualified community-based organizations.

The partnerships will allow the DLNR to work with local groups to help support, restore, and protect public lands, and also to uphold cultural practices.

State partners approved to co-manage lands with the DLNR will also be able to help with invasive species removal, habitat restoration, shoreline protection, and environmental education.

“Protecting Hawaiʻi’s natural resources requires strong community partnerships and practical investments,” Green said. “When we invest in sustainable resources, everyone benefits. Lasting progress is made when we tackle today’s challenges together and uplift one another through thoughtful policy and genuine collaboration.”

Green also signed House Bill 1618, which aims to provide some financial support for homeowners facing the cost of upgrading or converting their cesspools.

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The new law establishes a Cesspool Conversion Revolving Loan Fund, which will be administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority.

The state will provide financial assistance in the form of low-interest or forgivable loans to eligible homeowners.

“Adding cesspool conversions to the Green Infrastructure Authority’s innovative financing tools will make it possible for families who need help the most to install cheaper, cleaner, innovative solutions to stop dirty cesspools from polluting our beaches and streams,” said State Senator Chris Lee, chair of the Senate Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts.

In 2017, Hawaii enacted legislation requiring the state’s cesspools to be upgraded or converted to code-compliant wastewater systems by 2050.

The overall goal is to protect the state’s water and prevent any public health issues that could come from outdated cesspools.

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Click here to read more about House Bill 2218.

Click here to read more about House Bill 1618.