Gov. Green releases funding to upgrade 3 cesspools at Hilo International Airport

Gov. Josh Green released nearly $700,000 in capital improvement project funds to upgrade three cesspools at Hilo International Airport.

The replacement of the cesspools is part of the Department of Health’s requirement to reduce the 53 million gallons of untreated sewage contaminating the State of Hawaiʻiʻs groundwater and surface waters each day. The state plans to convert underground pools statewide by 2050, addressing the worst offenders by 2030.

Cesspools by the Hilo airport are classified as priority 2, meaning they are considered a significant hazard to human health and the environment and may be close to sensitive natural resources like steams or drinking water aquifers.

“This project will enhance the water infrastructure at Hilo International Airport,” said Sen. Lorraine R. Inouye (District 1 – Hilo, Paukaʻa, Papaikou, Pepeʻekeo). “I am grateful to Governor Josh Green for releasing the funding for this critical project. The Hilo International Airport is the primary gateway for travelers to and from the east side of Hawai‘i Island.”

According to Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, design plans are currently being developed, and the solicitation of construction bids is expected to be issued this summer.

Construction work will likely commence in the fall or winter. The airport will not be forced to close during the construction.

To see where the cesspools are located statewide and their ranking, click here. For the Hawaiʻi Cesspool Prioritization Tool, click here. You can scroll on the site to find all the islands.