Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide grants to upgrade or convert small-capacity cesspools for households in the State of Hawaii.
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide grants for upgrading or converting small-capacity cesspools for households in Hawaii. Under the bill, the Administrator may make grants to the State of Hawaii or a responsible management entity to help eligible individuals pay for these wastewater system updates. The Federal share of the cost for these activities is set at 75 percent. The bill prioritizes projects that address cesspools posing the greatest risk to human and environmental health. It authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032 to carry out these activities.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The legislation provides grants to convert small-capacity cesspools to safer wastewater systems, prioritizing those posing the greatest risk to local ecosystems.
- Scored +5
Does this invest in rural communities?
The bill funds decentralized wastewater systems and community-scale conversions that benefit infrastructure in Hawaii.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill defines eligible individuals based on state affordability criteria, helping lower-income households cover expensive wastewater conversion costs.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032 to carry out grant activities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial help for upgrading wastewater systems: Section 228(b)(1) allows grants to be used for converting small-capacity cesspools to septic tanks, connecting residences to treatment works, and converting communities to decentralized wastewater systems, which helps eligible individuals cover the costs of these necessary upgrades.
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Health and environmental protection: Section 228(d) mandates that priority be given to projects addressing cesspools that pose the greatest risk to human and environmental health, which helps protect people and local ecosystems from dangerous waste.
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Support programs: Section 228(b)(2) authorizes grants for workforce development, technical assistance, and educational and advocacy programs related to wastewater management, which can benefit communities by building local expertise and knowledge.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Cost-sharing burden: Section 228(c) sets the Federal share at 75 percent, meaning that eligible individuals or the State must still cover the remaining portion of the upgrade costs out of pocket.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The legislation provides grants to convert small-capacity cesspools to safer wastewater systems, prioritizing those posing the greatest risk to local ecosystems. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill funds decentralized wastewater systems and community-scale conversions that benefit infrastructure in Hawaii.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill defines eligible individuals based on state affordability criteria, helping lower-income households cover expensive wastewater conversion costs. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Middle-income households in qualifying areas may also receive financial assistance for upgrading small-capacity cesspools.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides opportunities for contractors and technical service providers involved in wastewater system upgrades. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill authorizes grants for workforce development and wastewater infrastructure projects, which can support local employment opportunities. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investments in infrastructure and workforce development can provide minor localized economic stimulus. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes appropriations of $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032 to carry out grant activities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation expands federal grant administration through the EPA to manage and fund state-level wastewater initiatives.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Grants targeted to low-income households based on affordability criteria help relieve financial burdens associated with mandatory wastewater upgrades.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — By funding projects that reduce health risks from failing cesspools, the bill indirectly supports community public health.
- 9/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii