From Cesspools to Clean Water: STEP Systems and Hawaiʻi's Wastewater Future (Featuring Rob Bolton)

In this discussion, wastewater professionals, community leaders, and technology experts explore innovative solutions to help Hawaiʻi address the challenge of converting more than 83,000 cesspools by 2050. The conversation highlights lessons from Vero Beach, Florida, where a community-wide septic-to-sewer conversion program successfully utilized STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pumping) systems as a lower-cost, less disruptive alternative to conventional gravity sewer infrastructure. Speakers examine how STEP systems reduce installation costs, minimize excavation, eliminate infiltration and inflow issues, and provide a long-term, affordable wastewater management solution. The meeting also explores the critical role of Responsible Management Entities (RMEs) in Hawaiʻi's wastewater future. WAI shares its vision for developing community-based RMEs that can provide ongoing operations, maintenance, and management services to ensure system performance, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection. Key topics include: • The impacts of nutrient pollution on Hawaiʻi's reefs and Florida's Indian River Lagoon • Why conventional cesspools and septic systems fail to address nutrient pollution • STEP system design, performance, maintenance, and costs • Lessons learned from Vero Beach's 3,000-home conversion program • The need for long-term wastewater governance and professional management • Funding strategies to make cesspool conversion affordable for homeowners • Building local workforce capacity through wastewater management training programs As Hawaiʻi works toward statewide cesspool conversion, this discussion offers valuable insights into practical technologies, sustainable governance models, and funding approaches that can help communities protect public health, groundwater, and coastal ecosystems for future generations. Learn more about Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations (WAI) and our efforts to support decentralized wastewater solutions, workforce development, and responsible wastewater management across Hawaiʻi.