HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The discovery of iwi on Kauai’s North Shore during septic tank construction highlights the ongoing problem of cesspool conversions across the state.

Lawmakers and government officials are trying to balance mandatory conversions with protecting iwi kupuna (ancestral remains).

Many agree that the problem of sewage leaking into the environment will worsen as sea levels rise.

At a recent meeting, community members met face-to-face with state and county officials about the discovery of at least eight kupuna iwi in Wainiha, Kaua’i.

This occurred during the mandatory conversion of three cesspools with three leach fields at Hale Makai Cottages.

House Speaker Nadine Nakamura of Kauai attended the meeting.

“There’s kind of a conflict of policies and I think the Department of Health and the Department of Land and Natural Resources recognize that we need to put better processes in place.” said Nakamura, D-Wailua-Haena.

Under state law, all cesspools must be converted to septic systems or connected to a sewer line by 2050.

Nakamura helped draft a bill to impose a cesspool pollution tax, but the measure did not pass.

She lives in Kapaa and has a cesspool herself. Conversion costs are high.

“We’re talking about $25,000 to $85,000 depending on the topography, depending on the availability of materials and labor. It just depends on the site conditions,” Nakamura said.

The state says there are about 83,000 cesspools that discharge about 50 million gallons of raw sewage into groundwater and the ocean each day.

“There is no easy solution, but I think it needs to be recognized that the disruption of the iwi kupuna is a very significant concern, in terms of the remains that were there long before housing development on these lands,” Nakamura said.

Septic tank construction is exempt from some permits because it is considered a renovation, but county leaders are revisiting that issue.

“I have asked staff and our attorneys to look into whether septic systems really should be exempt from renovations.” said Kaaina Hull, Kauai County planning director.

Last month, Kauai County announced that 100 recipients received a $20,000 grant to upgrade existing catch basins.

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