This webpage provides information on funding and financing opportunities for homeowners, including the DOH Cesspool Pilot Grant Program. Explore the resources below to find the funding option that will work best for your needs.

What is the DOH Cesspool Pilot Program?

DOH CESSPOOL PILOT PROGRAM

WAI is very excited to share that the DOH has launched a grant program that aims to help support the financial burden of low- and moderate-income property owners in converting, upgrading, or connecting their cesspools to a more environmentally friendly wastewater management system.

Under this program, eligible recipients can receive up to $20,000 in reimbursements for their conversion or connection costs incurred. The total grant program is $5 million, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to funding availability. The priority of an application will be determined by its submission date.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must:

• Be an owner of real property or a Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) lessee

• Have the subject cesspool located in either a priority level 1 or 2 using DOH’s map. Note: Properties within a highlighted red zone are eligible to apply.

• Have an household income that meets the specified requirements outlined within the attached document. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

If you meet all the eligibility criteria, complete and submit an application to any DOH office, but if mailing, application must be sent to: Department of Health Wastewater Branch on Oahu 

Address:

State of Hawaii, Wastewater Branch 

2827 Waimano Home Road, Ste 207 

Pearl City, Hawaii  96782

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Department staff will review and process the application, then notify the applicant roughly a month after receiving as to whether or not they are eligible to receive the grant.

If your application is accepted, you will be required to submit the following documents within 9 months of receiving grant qualification letter:

• Design plans prepared by a licensed engineer

• Engineers final construction inspection report

• Copy of Approval-to-use letter of Wastewater System 

• Receipts of payments made to the licensed engineer or contractor 

  
  

WAI is really excited about this opportunity that will support homeowners with the conversion of cesspools and to provide assistance to those in greatest need. Check out our 1 pager here

Alternative Financial Resources