Do I have to convert my cesspool?
Under Hawai‘i’s Act 125 (2017), all cesspools in the state must be upgraded, converted to an approved wastewater system, or connected to a sewer by 2050, unless exempted by the director of health.
The Department of Health has identified priority areas where replacement matters most. Maui installers report that the Department of Health lists Upcountry Maui as one of the state’s Priority 1 areas.
Why act early?
- Department of Health plan review takes time — one Maui installer reports about 4–6 weeks before work can start.
- Demand for engineers and installers is likely to grow closer to the deadline.
- Some property sales and renovations may raise the issue sooner — check with your agent or the Department of Health.
Official source: Hawai‘i DOH Wastewater Branch. Always confirm current rules there.
Referral service disclosure: Maui Cesspool Help is an independent referral service run by a Maui resident. We are not a contractor, do not perform any work, and may be paid by the licensed contractors we refer you to.