Every cesspool in Hawaiʻi must be converted by 2050
Act 125 (2017) requires every cesspool in Hawaiʻi to be upgraded, converted to an approved wastewater system, or connected to sewer by January 1, 2050. The Department of Health estimates about 88,000 cesspools statewide, with over 11,000 on Oʻahu.
Cesspools release untreated wastewater into the ground. Hawaiʻi gets over 90% of its drinking water from groundwater, which is why the state is phasing them out.
How it works
- Request a quote. Tell us about your property. It takes 2 minutes.
- Get matched. We pass your request to licensed local contractors who serve your area.
- Compare and decide. There's no cost or obligation to you.
Your options
- Septic tank with a leach field
- Aerobic treatment unit (ATU)
- Connecting to city sewer where a line is available
What does it cost?
Estimates put a typical conversion at about $25,000 to $50,000. See the cost guide and financing options, including the new state loan program.
Sources: Hawaiʻi DOH: Cesspools; DOH 2017 priority report; HPR, June 2026