Officials tackle stubborn cesspool problem while trying to respect iwi

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The discovery of iwi on Kauai’s North Shore during construction of a septic system is highlighting the stubborn problem of converting cesspools statewide

Lawmakers and government officials are trying to figure out how to balance mandatory conversions while protecting iwi kupuna (ancestral remains).

Many agree the problem of cesspools leaking sewage into the environment will get worse with sea level rise.

At a recent meeting, community members met face to face with state and county officials about the discovery of at least eight iwi kupuna in Wainiha, Kaua’i.

It happened during mandatory conversions of three cesspools with three leach fields at the Hale Makai Cottages.

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura of Kauai attended the meeting.

“There is this is sort of a clash of policies and I think the recognition from the Department of Health and the Department of Land and Natural Resources that we need to have better processes in place.” said Nakamura, D-Wailua-Haena.

Under state law, all cesspools must be converted to septic systems or connected to a sewer line by 2050.

Nakamura helped come up with proposed legislation for a cesspool pollution fee, but that measure didn’t pass.

She lives in Kapaa and has a cesspool herself. The costs to convert are steep.

“We’re hearing anything from $25,000 to $85,000 depending on the topography, depending on the availability of materials and labor there. It just depends on the site conditions,” said Nakamura.

The state says there are roughly 83,000 cesspools that release roughly 50 million gallons of raw sewage into the groundwater and ocean every day.

“There’s no easy solution, but I think a recognition that disturbance of the iwi kupuna is such an important concern, respecting the remains that have been there far before development of housing on these lands,” said Nakamura.

The construction of septic systems are exempted from certain permits because they are considered renovations, but now county leaders are reviewing that.

“I’ve asked staff and our attorneys to review whether septic systems really should be exempted from renovations.” said Kaaina Hull, Kauai County Planning Director.

Last month, Kauai County announced 100 recipients were awarded a $20,000 grant reimbursement to upgrade existing cesspools.

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