The September 27, 2024 deadline to apply for the County of Kauai’s Residential Cesspool Conversion Grant Program is quickly approaching. Qualified homeowners who are selected could receive up to $20,000 to reimburse the cost of upgrading existing cesspools to individual wastewater systems (IWS) approved by the Hawaii State Department of Health-Wastewater Branch (WWB). Whether or not you are ready to apply, or unsure if you are even eligible, now is the time to start preparing for future opportunities.
The Hawaii State Department of Health (HDOH) regulations require that cesspools of any size by upgraded, converted, or closed by January 1, 2050. The County of Kauai’s grant program is the latest effort to assist homeowners to meet this requirement. The total funding for this current program is $2,000,000, supporting 100 homeowners on Kauai.
Many homeowners may be concerned they will not be eligible based on the income restrictions. However, as indicated on the County of Kauai’s Cesspool Conversion Grant FAQ’s, this will not automatically disqualify you. A homeowner can meet all or none of the priorities and still apply for the grant.
Applications will be reviewed and selected based upon the following priority preference point system:
- Priority (i): Properties located outside of the visitor destination area (VDA) with an existing building permit application for an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU), Additional Rental Unit (ARU), or Guest House.
- Priority(ii): Priority Upgrade Areas identified in the October report “2022 Hawai‘i Cesspool Hazard Assessment & Prioritization Tool” or future updated versions thereof.
- Priority(iii): Households earning no more than one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the Median Household Income.
- Priority (iv): Properties receiving a Homeowner's exemption.
- Priority (v): Properties with a Residential real property tax classification.
- Priority (vi): Properties located outside of the County’s sewer expansion area.
- Priority (vii): Properties with an existing cesspool that is failing.
Note that funds received under the Cesspool Conversion Program will be considered taxable income. Please consult with a tax professional for further information.
For a comprehensive list of the requirements and specific details of the Residential Cesspool Conversion Grant Program, or to apply, please visit the County of Kauai’s website: Residential Cesspool Conversion Grant Program Information
The island of Kaua’i contains an estimated 14,300 cesspools. Even if you are currently serviced by an individual septic or sewer wastewater system, we are all impacted when cesspools leak, leading to the contamination of groundwater sources, rivers, and coastal areas. Therefore, this is a community problem, not an individual problem. Let’s all do our part encourage each other to convert from cesspools toward more environmentally friendly wastewater solutions.