Hawaii is the state with the most cesspools per capita in the country. It is known for its stunning landscapes and pristine waters, but faces a silent threat: cesspools. Despite being hidden from view, these cesspools pose a significant risk to water quality and public health.
With approximately 83,000 cesspools scattered across the islands, Hawaii injects around 52 million gallons of untreated sewage into the ground every day. This pollution not only contaminates the waters but also endangers human health and the environment.
Hawaii was the last to ban cesspools, allowing the issue to persist for far too long. Studies have revealed alarming rates of bacteria in private drinking water wells, indicating contamination from cesspools. Elevated levels of nitrogen in groundwater also pose serious health risks such as increased cancer rates and "blue baby syndrome."
Beyond health concerns, cesspools also threaten Hawaii's coral reefs. Nitrogen from human waste fuels algal overgrowth, suffocating and killing coral reefs. This not only jeopardizes fragile marine ecosystems but also Hawaii's tourism industry, as visitors may be deterred by the knowledge of water pollution.
To address this issue, Hawaii must accelerate cesspool conversion efforts. Proposed bills aim to facilitate sewer line extensions, impose fees on cesspool owners, and establish grant programs to ease the financial burden. It's imperative for legislators to take decisive action to combat cesspool pollution. By uniting efforts at the federal, state, and local levels, Hawaii can protect its water resources and protect the health and well-being of its residents.
Act 125, signed into law by Governor David Ige in 2017, marks a significant milestone in Hawaii's efforts to address the cesspools. With a clear mandate for the upgrade to onsite systems and ATUs of all cesspools by 2050, the state is taking steps to protect its water resources and public health. By prioritizing cesspool conversion and infrastructure upgrades, Hawaii is laying the groundwork for a cleaner, healthier future for its residents and environment alike.
