"Expensive learning experience for the county ahead"
Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Undergoes Major Upgrade
The Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant in Keaukaha, serving approximately 30,000 residents and treating an average of 3 million gallons of wastewater daily, is undergoing a significant transformation. The project, valued at $337 million, marks the first phase of a larger plan to replace outdated equipment, improve treatment efficiency, and strengthen environmental safeguards.
The groundbreaking for these upgrades took place in early August 2025, signifying a turning point for the plant as it moves towards compliance with an administrative consent order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The order, initiated in March 2024, requires the county to bring the facility and related infrastructure into compliance.
The project is being undertaken by Nan Inc., a contractor scheduled for completion in 2030. This upgrade is part of a broader effort to improve wastewater treatment facilities in Hawaii, addressing environmental and public health concerns mandated by EPA orders. The scope of the project involves extensive improvements to plant infrastructure and treatment processes to meet state and federal standards.
The community can look forward to a more reliable wastewater system, as Wesley Segawa, Director of the County Department of Environmental Management, emphasized, "The community deserves a wastewater system they can rely on."
Jason Ko, vice president of Nan Inc., highlighted that the project will provide quality jobs and bring local workers back to the area. The County of Hawaii is also actively hiring for the Wastewater Division, with opportunities available in engineering, operations, technical support, maintenance, and leadership. Interested parties can visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/jobs to apply for these positions.
For those seeking updates on the plant overhaul, the DEM website (www.dem.hawaiicounty.gov/projects/hilo-wastewater-plant) offers information and the opportunity to sign up for email updates.
It's important to note that a study by University of Hawaii scientists found that sewage is leaking into Keaukaha's groundwater at 10 times the previous rate due to movement of wastewater from the facility to Puhi Bay and cesspools in Keaukaha. This upgrade is a crucial step towards addressing these environmental concerns and safeguarding public health.
The $337 million project is being described as the largest in the County of Hawaii. While the exact phased timeline beyond the start of construction has not been explicitly stated, the project's large budget and recent commencement indicate a multi-year development plan consistent with large-scale wastewater facility improvements in the state.
The Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant project strengthens the county's ability to respond to potential spills, protect public health, and safeguard the environment during construction. The upgrade is a significant step forward in ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the Hilo community.
[1] Information sourced from various county and state documents.
- The Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade, valued at $337 million, is a crucial step towards addressing environmental concerns related to sewage leaking into Keaukaha's groundwater.
- The project, which involves extensive improvements to plant infrastructure and treatment processes, is part of a broader effort to improve wastewater treatment facilities in Hawaii, addressing both environmental and public health concerns.
- The upgrade will not only strengthen environmental safeguards but also improve treatment efficiency, serving approximately 30,000 residents more reliably.
- The project's large budget and recent commencement suggest a multi-year development plan consistent with large-scale wastewater facility improvements across the state. This investment in environmental-science and infrastructure is expected to drive economic growth through the creation of quality jobs, as highlighted by Jason Ko, vice president of Nan Inc.
