FEMA to Fund Power Generators for Wastewater Treatment Plants Islandwide

Hawaiʻi County is set to receive $1.37 million in federal funding to help strengthen the islandʻs water infrastructure and keep wastewater treatment plants running during natural disasters.

Funding to support the wastewater treatment plants comes from the US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It will cover eight new emergency power generators — four stationary and four trailer mounted.

“The Big Island faces many unique environmental threats, and a failure to treat wastewater due to a power outage would be catastrophic,” said Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This funding mitigates that risk by allowing for safe and effective treatment when power is lost, in turn keeping our streets accessible, our oceans and coasts clean, and our families healthy.”

The generators, four stationary and four trailer mounted, will be installed at:

• Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Kolea Sewer Pump Station
• Kulaimanu Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Onekahakaha Sewer Pump Station
• Papaikou Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Pauka‘a Sewer Pump Station
• Wailua Sewer Pump Station
• Wailuku Sewer Pump Station