Committee revises wastewater action to coordinate with state deadline for cesspool conversions

Action 3.06 was amended to focus on coordination with the State Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch and property owners to address on‑site disposal systems (cesspools and septic systems). Members and staff agreed a fixed 2030 target for Maʻalāea and Maui Meadows was impractical; instead the action now directs county departments to work with property owners to develop conversion or connection plans by the deadline established in state statute.

Planning and DEM staff cautioned the committee to avoid creating an action that would leave areas out of compliance; Fire and Planning members urged prioritizing the highest‑risk neighborhoods first. Members also added private funding sources to the list to reflect possible community facility districts (CFDs) or public‑private financing models discussed for Maui Meadows.

Outcome: the amended action tasks DEM and Department of Management to coordinate with DOH Clean Water Branch and property owners on conversion/connection plans by the state's deadline; funding sources may include private, county and state. The motion passed on a unanimous vote.