Rural, Small and Tribal Grant

1. Training for Stakeholders and Community Members: Develop specialized training based on the Work-4-Water workforce development program for regulatory agencies, public utilities, service providers, finance and lending institutions, environmental organizations, and community members to prepare leaders to support RME formation and decentralized wastewater management.

2. Technical Assistance to Build RME Capacity: Provide technical assistance to strengthen financial, operational, and technical capacity for decentralized wastewater systems, including development of community system inventories, RME business plans, financing strategies, and support for accessing diverse funding resources such as CWSRF, grants, and low-interest loans.

3. Public Education and Outreach: Increase awareness of sustainable cesspool conversion and decentralized wastewater management solutions by adapting existing water sector resources for Hawaiʻi rural, small, and Native Hawaiian communities and sharing information through workshops, outreach events, and community engagement.

The HiRME Collective is committed to:

• Helping establish Responsible Management Entities across Hawaiʻi

• Building financial, technical, and operational capacity for communities reliant on decentralized systems

• Supporting sustainable cesspool conversions

• Providing training, technical assistance, and public education

• Strengthening collaboration across agencies, communities, and industries

• Ensuring solutions are practical, culturally grounded, and community-supported

The HiRME Collective exists to bring people together to build the systems needed for responsible, long-term wastewater management in Hawaiʻi.

A Responsible Management Entity (RME) is defined as: An organization consisting of diverse stakeholders with technical, managerial, and financial capacity to operate and maintain viable decentralized wastewater systems within the RME’s jurisdiction.

The Piko Governance Model (PGM) is a collaborative structure rooted in the Hawaiian concept of piko, which signifies a central point of connection, energy, and origin (it is the naval, fontanel, or apex of a land division). The piko represents our connection to past, present and future and decisions for “ola i ka wai”, health of our shared waters are best informed from a center point that acknowledges and elevates  a continuum of shared kuleana in caring for our wai.

This model ensures that decision-making is grounded in a strong, informed core and radiates outward to engage the entire community as collective stakeholders, fostering responsibility and stewardship. Information and data is transmitted multi-directionally between piko, allowing for inter-dialogue, feedback, adaptability and transparency.

The PGM framework is grounded in Hawaiʻi approaches to community planning and organization. This structure reflects the idea that knowledge, leadership, and responsibility begin at a center and radiate outward, maintaining connection to place while engaging the broader community and network. At each iteration of the piko are opportunities for multi-directional dialogue, feedback and adaptation.

The Advisory Council ensures that project activities are informed by real-world expertise and that training, technical assistance, and outreach efforts meet the needs of communities, agencies, and service providers responsible for decentralized wastewater systems. The Advisory Council provides strategic guidance to:

• Inform the development of curriculum based on the Work-4-Water training model, customized for Responsible Management Entity formation

• Advise the structure and instructional design of stakeholder trainings and technical assistance workshops

• Identify resources, funding opportunities, and technical expertise to support RME development

• Support the design of workshops that prepare leaders, agencies, and communities to manage decentralized wastewater systems

• Help build statewide capacity for cesspool conversions, regionalization, and long-term system management

• Provide volunteer expertise, consulting support, and technical input during project implementation

The Advisory Council works in coordination with subcommittees to ensure project activities reflect the needs of Hawaiʻi’s communities and the wastewater sector.

Subcommittee Structure - Provides focused expertise, Advisory Council members participate in one of several subcommittees based on their background and capacity.

Subcommittees include:

• Financial

• Operations

• Ecology

• Technical

• Cultural / Community

Each subcommittee:

• Provides subject-matter guidance

• Recommends resources and training topics

• Supports technical assistance activities

• Identifies opportunities for collaboration

Each subcommittee will select approximately 2–3 representatives to participate in the Advisory Council. The decision-making and Communication Structure between between the Advisory Council and subcommittees will be iterative and collaborative.

• Subcommittees develop recommendations, the Advisory Council reviews and provides direction

• Information flows back to subcommittees for refinement

• WAI will act as the convener who coordinates communication and implementation

Subcommittee assignments may evolve over time to ensure members are contributing where their expertise best supports the RST project and the formation of Responsible Management Entities.

Community engagement, involvement and trust are essential to successful wastewater solutions and this project emphasizes public education and engagement through:

• Community meetings and listening sessions

• Educational workshops on cesspools and decentralized wastewater systems

• Clear, accessible information on replacement pathways as well as funding and management options

These efforts empower residents, property owners, and local leaders to make informed decisions and actively participate in wastewater planning. As this project progresses, community outreach and public education activities will continue to evolve, responding to community needs, feedback, and emerging opportunities for engagement. Outreach strategies, materials will be found housed on WAI’s website, and events will be refined to ensure they remain relevant, culturally responsive, and impactful.

Interested in partnering with us?
Please fill out our Interest Form to get involved and stay connected.

We are seeking industry stakeholders, community organizations, practitioners, and agencies interested in supporting this initiative.

Partnership opportunities include:

• Technical expertise and instruction

• Community outreach and engagement support

• RME collaboration

• Financial capacity building

• Water Technical Assistance

What is the Rural, Small, and Tribal (RST) Wastewater Initiative?

The RST initiative is a program focused on improving wastewater solutions in Hawaiʻi’s rural and underserved communities. It supports workforce development, community-based management, and education around decentralized wastewater systems.

What is a decentralized wastewater system?

Decentralized systems treat wastewater at or near its source rather than sending it to a centralized sewer system. These systems are commonly used in rural areas and include technologies such as septic systems, package plants and other advanced treatment units.

What are Responsible Management Entities (RMEs)?

RMEs are organizations responsible for managing and maintaining decentralized wastewater systems within a community or region. They ensure systems are properly operated, maintained, and compliant with regulations over time.

What is the HiRME program?

The HiRME (Hawaiʻi Decentralized Wastewater Responsible Management Entity) program is a workforce training initiative designed to prepare individuals for careers in managing decentralized wastewater systems.

Who does this program serve?

This initiative focuses on supporting:

• Native Hawaiian communities

• Rural and underserved areas

• Communities impacted by cesspools and limited wastewater infrastructure

Why is this work important?

Hawaiʻi has over 80,000 cesspools that can impact water quality and public health. Many communities lack access to centralized sewer systems, making decentralized solutions and trained professionals critical for long-term sustainability.

How can I get involved?

You can get involved by:

• Partnering with the program

• Participating in training opportunities

• Attending community outreach events