Cesspools

New Rules and Tax Credits

A tax credit up to $10,000 may be available to property owners who upgrade qualifying cesspools to septic tank systems or sewer systems, beginning in 2016. The Department of Health Wastewater Branch is seeking public input on proposed rules changes that will also ban any new cesspool installation in Hawaii.

Generally, cesspools within 200 feet of the shoreline, streams and near aquifers are eligible for this upgrade tax credit. (Click here for more information on the tax credit.)

Senate District 23 has an estimated 1001 cesspools that may be eligible for the tax credit (click here to see the estimated cesspools by Senate District.) This is a pilot project to incentivize homeowners to upgrade their sewage systems because cesspools are heavy polluters that damage our ground water, streams and near shore waters. If you have the interest, but have been limited by financial considerations, this credit may help you make the decision to upgrade your system.

To qualify for the tax credit, work must start on or after January 1, 2016. The instructions, application and certification forms are provided below.

Income Tax Credit Instructions | .pdf |
Application for Income Tax Credit For a Qualifying Cesspool | .pdf |
Qualifying Cesspool Location Certification Form | .pdf |
Form N-350 CESSPOOL UPGRADE, CONVERSION OR CONNECTION INCOME TAX CREDIT | .pdf |
Form N-350 Instructions |.pdf |

The phone number for the Wastewater Branch is 586-4294 and emails can be sent to wwb@doh.hawaii.gov.