Hawaii’s 88,000 cesspools are one of the biggest threats to water quality across the state, discharging 53 mgd sewage into coastal waters. In recent years, Surfrider has played a key role in successfully urging the state government to finally move away from relying on these antiquated and ineffective systems for managing household wastewater. A state-level Cesspool Task Force has been established to develop a workable plan for getting all Hawaii residents off of cesspools by 2050, under Act 125 (2017). This includes identifying priority areas for conversion and recommendations for new treatment options. While this work is ongoing, Surfrider has been supporting new legislation every year to further the state’s progress towards meeting the 2050 goal.

Hawai‘i can save cesspool owners and governments money by adopting cost-effective wastewater solutions without compromising water quality. Solving Hawaiʻi’s wastewater problem will require innovation. This bill establishes a technical advisory group to assist the Department of Health in a review of the Department's administrative rules and practices regarding wastewater systems and cesspools and in the development of proposed changes to make cesspool conversions more affordable. 

Coral reefs across Hawaiʻi are under increasing stress from land-based sources of pollution, including nitrogen from wastewater systems. This bill requires certain newly installed or modified individual wastewater systems located near the shoreline or in areas with highly porous soils to include denitrification technology, which reduces nitrogen before it reaches groundwater and the ocean. By limiting nutrient pollution that fuels algal growth and reef decline, the measure helps protect coral reef ecosystems, nearshore water quality, and the fisheries, shorelines, and communities that depend on healthy reefs.

Hawaiʻi’s nearshore ecosystems face growing pressure from overuse, climate stress, and human impacts. This bill gives the Department of Land and Natural Resources flexible authority to manage Marine Life Conservation Districts by allowing temporary or area-based closures to protect marine life. By enabling seasonal, daily, or site-specific protections, the measure supports healthier fish populations, more resilient reefs, and sustainable public access to marine resources for future generations.

Surfrider O'ahu Chapter along with Save Ala Wai Surf Parking organized community members to oppose and block this effort and SB 364 was deferred on February 3rd, 2025 in the Committee on Water and Land. Companion HB 210 was never scheduled a hearing.

LINK TO CAMPAIGN VICTORY PAGE

SB 534 and HB 605 are part of an Office of Hawaiian Affairs proposal for Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority to approve residential development in the Kakaʻako Makai area. If approved, it would allow other parcel owners to build similar 400 foot towers along Ala Moana Blvd. In 2006, lawmakers banned residential development on lands makai of Ala Moana Boulevard. This bill would lift that restriction. 

This area has complex environmental concerns- history as garbage incinerator and dump site, labeled a “contaminated brownfield” by EPA. Disruption from construction of such areas, especially for structural supports for 400ft towers, will likely result in seepage of these contaminants into surrounding recreational waters (e.g. Kewalo Basin, Ala Moana Beach Park, Sand Island, etc.) and impact marine life (consumable) and protected species (e.g. green sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, etc.) that frequent the coastal area. 

Current Status:

• DEFFERED on 2/28 in Senate Ways and Means and Judiciary Committees.
  
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Although Waste-to-Energy Facilities are framed as a step toward a 100% renewable energy future, the reality of these facilities is that they’re harmful to the environment and threaten the cleanliness of our air and water. This bill proposes a public-private partnership that would help fund the construction of multiple trash incinerator facilities across our islands. These facilities produce harmful toxic ash as a byproduct of burning trash for energy, which risks the contamination of our groundwater and our oceans. 

Current Status:

• Was not scheduled final hearing in Senate and the bill has died.