The Hawaiʻi Cesspool Prioritization Tool
Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and the Department of Health publish an online map, the Hawaiʻi Cesspool Prioritization Tool, that ranks areas by how much risk their cesspools pose to drinking water, streams, coastal waters and public health. It sorts cesspools into priority levels, with Priority 1 the most urgent.
You can look up your area on the map. The Department of Health also published a report on how the tool works.
What priority means
Priority shows where the state thinks conversion matters most. It does not change the legal deadline in HRS 342D-72, which is January 1, 2050 for every cesspool that is not exempted. Higher priority areas may get attention first from future programs, so it is worth knowing where you stand.
Oʻahu areas the state flagged
In its 2017 priority report, the Department of Health listed Kahaluʻu, Diamond Head, Waimānalo, Waialua and ʻEwa among Oʻahu's priority areas. See our pages for Kahaluʻu, Waimānalo, Waialua, ʻEwa and Diamond Head and Kāhala.
Next step
Whatever your priority level, a licensed contractor can tell you whether septic, an aerobic treatment unit or sewer fits your lot. Request a free quote.
Sources: Hawaiʻi Cesspool Prioritization Tool; DOH prioritization tool report; DOH 2017 priority report; HRS 342D-72