State to pay fine, close Kealakekua cesspool

A large capacity cesspool at Kealakekua Public Library will be closed within 18 months under an agreement reached between the state and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Under the Aug. 14 agreement covering both the Kealakekua library and Waiaula Public Library on Oahu, the Hawaii State Public Library System will pay a $143,999 fine and agreed to close all pollution-causing large-capacity cesspools (LCCs) that it operates. The library system will also conduct an audit to evaluate whether there are LCCs present at any of its other properties.

“State agencies have a responsibility to ensure that Hawaii’s communities and critical drinking water resources are protected from pollution-causing large capacity cesspools,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “We want other state and local agencies to follow HSPLS’ approach to identify and close all of their LCCs.”

Both the Waialua Public Library and Kealakekua Public Library are owned by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and operated by the Hawaii State Public Library System.

EPA inspectors found that the system failed to close one LCC at both locations. At both public libraries, the restroom facilities serve staff members and library patrons.

Large capacity cesspools have been banned since 2005 under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Since, more than 3,600 LCCs in Hawaii have been closed.

In 2017, the state passed Act 125, which requires the replacement of all cesspools by 2050. It is estimated that there are approximately 88,000 cesspools in Hawaii. A state income tax credit is available for upgrading qualified cesspools to a septic system or aerobic treatment unit or connecting them to a sewer. The tax credit ends on Dec. 31.

Cesspools collect and discharge untreated raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing pathogens and harmful chemicals can contaminate groundwater, streams, and the ocean. Groundwater provides 95% of all domestic water in Hawaii.