Construction of new Pāhala wastewater collection system begins next week

Construction of a new $30.9 million wastewater collection system in Kaʻū’s largest community of Pāhala begins July 7, marking a major milestone in efforts by Hawaiʻi County to close large capacity cesspools in the island’s largest district.

The project — awarded to Goodfellow Bros., which has corporate offices on Maui and the U.S. West Coast, in Washington state and California — entails exploratory excavation and potholing, sewer and water line installation, lateral connections to the 109 properties now served by large capacity cesspools and roadway restoration and paving.

An additional 65 parcels will also gain access to the system.

Installation of the collection system is anticipated to be complete by May 2026.

Wastewater from the new system will eventually be routed to a centralized treatment plant. Construction of the treatment plant is out for bid and will be done as a separate project.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule in 2000 requiring the closure of all existing large capacity cesspools.

Hawaiʻi County in 2010 assumed ownership of large capacity cesspools built and operated by C. Brewer & Co. sugar company in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu, making a commitment to replace the outdated systems.

Construction of the new wastewater collection system is part of county compliance with an administrative order on consent issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Both large capacity cesspools will be closed in 2027 as part of that agreement.

Visit the Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management website for additional information.