Pāhala, Hawaiʻi – Construction of a new wastewater collection system in Pāhala is set to begin on Monday, July 7, 2025. This project marks a significant milestone in the County of Hawaiʻi’s long-standing efforts to close large capacity cesspools (LCCs) in the Kaʻū district, a legally mandated initiative stemming from a 2000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule requiring the closure of all LCCs.
The $30.9 million contract for the Pāhala Wastewater Collection System has been awarded to Goodfellow Bros. The scope of work includes initial exploratory excavation, installation of new sewer and water lines, and connecting lateral lines to 109 properties currently served by existing large capacity cesspools. Additionally, the project will provide access to the new system for an extra 65 parcels. Roadway restoration and paving will also be part of the construction. The installation of this collection system is anticipated to be completed by May 11, 2026.
Once completed, wastewater from the new collection system will be routed to a centralized treatment plant, which will be constructed as a separate project. The bidding process for this treatment plant is currently underway.
Addressing a Decades-Old Environmental Mandate
This crucial project is part of the County’s commitment to comply with a federal mandate aimed at mitigating environmental and public health risks. Historically, the large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu were built and operated by the former C. Brewer sugar company. In 2003, C. Brewer sought assistance from the County to close these systems, and by 2010, the County assumed ownership of both the collection systems and the LCCs, committing to replace the outdated infrastructure.
The current work in Pāhala is being conducted under an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) issued by the EPA in 2017 and subsequently revised in 2022 and 2024. Under this agreement, both the Pāhala and Nāʻālehu LCCs are mandated to be closed by January 22, 2027.
The public can track the County’s compliance through semi-annual reports, which are available online. Additionally, residents are invited to attend public meetings to learn more and provide input. The next such meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2025, in Nāʻālehu.
For more information on the project and the County’s wastewater initiatives, visit the Department of Environmental Management’s projects page: Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Large Capacity Cesspool Closures.
