Hawaii’s authority offers households loans for cesspool upgrades

The Hawaii green infrastructure authority administers a cesspool loan fund and financing program. Eligible households in all counties may seek help to upgrade or convert existing cesspools to wastewater systems approved by the health director, or connect properties with cesspools to sewer systems. The program may offer low-interest loans or other authorized help, including loans that can be forgiven. The authority gives preference to low- and moderate-income households and may use fund money for program and loan management costs. The law took effect upon approval on July 8, 2026.

The health department may transfer available funds each year to support the cesspool financing program. The funding supports the cesspool conversion financing program administered by the Hawaii green infrastructure authority. A transfer depends on available money and requires an agreement between the health department and the authority. The authority may spend only money in the fund and only for purposes allowed by law. The law took effect upon approval on July 8, 2026.

The state provides up to $203,750 from the Hawaii green infrastructure special fund for a program management position and the cesspool loan fund. The appropriation supports the Hawaii green infrastructure authority’s cesspool program. The amount is capped at $203,750 or the amount needed, whichever is less. The authority must spend the money for the purposes of the Act. This appropriation takes effect July 1, 2026, for fiscal year 2026–2027.