UH Maui and Hawaiʻi CC now have wastewater treatment certificate programs

Both University of Hawaiʻi Maui College and Hawaiʻi Community College have launched a certificate program to train specialists in onsite wastewater treatment, aiming to address the state’s cesspool conversion crisis.

The Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist (OWTSS) certificate program responds to a state mandate requiring the removal or upgrade of all 83,000 cesspools across Hawaiʻi by 2050. These cesspools currently discharge more than 53 million gallons of untreated wastewater daily, posing risks to human, marine and environmental health.

At the current pace, Hawaiʻi replaces just two to four cesspools per week. To meet the 2050 deadline, the state would need to complete about 50 conversions each week. Officials say there is a pressing need for a trained wastewater workforce to meet the growing demand.

The OWTSS certificate is a 23-credit program that can be completed in one year. It combines coursework in wastewater, construction, design and sustainability with hands-on experience and an internship to prepare students for the field.

The program launched at UH Maui College in fall 2024. Its first cohort is expected to graduate in summer 2025. Teje Roy, a UHMC graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in sustainable science management, returned to enroll in the certificate. “I really enjoyed that my classmates all come from different educational backgrounds, yet we are all so inspired and curious about how to deal with this huge issue that we are facing,” Roy said.

The program will expand to Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo this fall. It is supported by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Workforce for Water grant. Students receive a $500 stipend upon completion, and financial aid or tuition assistance may cover up to 100% of tuition.

Those interested should contact Charlotte Cheek, project manager, at cheekc@hawaii.edu.