PARTNER WITH US
Our Mission
The Workforce-4-Water (W4W) program addresses the critical need for additional wastewater professionals in Hawai‘i. To convert 83,000 cesspools by 2050, as mandated by the Hawai‘i state legislature Act 125, Hawai‘i will need thousands more workers to enter and support the capacity needs of the growing industry.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The W4W program focuses on serving the two islands with the highest number of total cesspools, Hawai‘i Island and Maui, by providing an entry-level wastewater education course focusing on the Hawai‘i wastewater field and the application of individual wastewater systems.
Over this two-year program, WAI aims to educate and equip 100 participants to enter the wastewater profession. W4W aims to increase the visibility of the wastewater industry as a promising career pathway and will actively work with local communities to attract and inspire the critical technicians needed to solve this complicated issue.
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Influence: Advisory council members have the opportunity to influence decision-making processes and contribute to the development of policy recommendations, and program formation. By sharing expertise and insights, advisory council members can help shape the direction and focus of the individual wastewater system industry within Hawaiʻi.
Networking: The Advisory council provides opportunities for members to network with other professionals in their field. This can lead to new business opportunities, expansion of workforce, partnerships, and collaborations, as well as the sharing of best practices and innovative ideas.
Professional Development: Serving this advisory council can provide valuable professional development opportunities, such as learning new skills, gaining knowledge about industry trends, and staying up-to-date on emerging technologies.
Community Involvement: Advisory council members play a crucial role in their communities by providing input and guidance on issues that affect the community. By participating in an advisory council, members have the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on their community.
Recognition: Serving on this advisory council can provide recognition and visibility for members, both within their organization and in the broader community. WAI will feature organization participants on the website and at our public outreach. This can enhance their professional reputation and increase their credibility as a leader in their field.
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Topics Covered:
Week 1: Overview of Wastewater Management and the Importance of Wastewater Treatment
Introduction to wastewater management and its importance
Types of individual wastewater systems: cesspools, septic systems, aerobic treatment units, nature-based systems, and decentralized systems
Environmental and human health impacts of individual wastewater systems
Strategies for minimizing negative effects, especially nutrient pollution
Week 2: Design and Installation of Individual Wastewater Systems
Site assessment and system sizing
Percolation rates and permit requirements for installation
Permit requirements for individual wastewater systems
Real-world examples and case studies of individual wastewater systems design and installation
Week 3: Operation and Maintenance of Individual Wastewater Systems
Regular inspections, pumping, and maintenance requirements
Troubleshooting common problems and malfunctions that can occur with individual wastewater systems
Real-world examples and case studies of individual wastewater systems issues and troubleshooting methods
Week 4: Hawaiʻi Wastewater Regulations and Policies
Introduction to state and federal regulations and policies related to wastewater treatment in Hawaiʻi
Federal, state, and local regulations and their impact on homeowners and professionals
Real-world examples and case studies of wastewater treatment systems in Hawaiʻi and their compliance with regulations
Week 5: Emerging Trends and Technologies in the Wastewater Industry
Alternative wastewater treatment systems, nutrient management, and greywater reuse
Introduction to new technologies and treatment processes being developed and implemented in the wastewater industry
Overview of advanced topics such as BOD/COD and TSS
Emerging trends in wastewater management and their potential impact on the industry
Week 6: Wastewater Industry Preparedness
Career exploration and planning, including interview preparation
Final project applying knowledge gained throughout the course
Hoʻike or Graduation ceremony celebrating learning and skills gained
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The beneficiaries of our wastewater introduction training program will primarily be high school students, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and new entrants who require the skills necessary to comply with the pressing cesspool conversion mandate. As Hawaiʻi and Maui Counties are rural and remote, many of these communities have historically been underserved.
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