UHMC launches wastewater certificate addressing labor demand for cesspool conversions

This fall, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is launching an Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate. 

More than 52 million gallons of wastewater seep out of cesspools and into the ground and groundwater in Hawaiʻi every day, with more than 88,000 cesspools still operational across the Hawaiian Islands. Twelve thousand are on Maui, according to the state Department of Health.

Cesspools can pollute groundwater, streams and the ocean and spread pathogens that can make people sick and harm coral reefs and other marine life. 

In 2017, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature passed Act 125, which requires the removal of all cesspools in Hawaiʻi by 2050.

“Currently, we are not on track to meet the 2050 deadline for cesspool removal,” said project coordinator Charlotte Cheek. “Statewide, there are two to four cesspools removed each week. In order to meet the 2050 deadline, approximately 50 cesspools need to be replaced each week, which is a 1,500% increase in removal.”

The certificate was crafted in response to this environmental crisis and the impending labor demands needed to address the 2050 cesspool removal deadline. This certificate is 23 credits hours and can be achieved in one year, or three semesters.

The certificate includes classes in wastewater, sustainability, and construction and design. Students will also gain hands-on experience working with cesspools. They will work with a homeowner and contractor to complete a cesspool replacement project. Additionally, students will gain work experience, completing internships and/or apprenticeships during their final semesters. 

The colleges are working with Virgil Viernes to develop and launch the certificate. Viernes works for Maui County as a wastewater treatment plant operator and is involved with the Hawaiʻi Water and Environment Association and Watertectonics. He comes with more than 30 years of experience in the wastewater industry. 

“Each year, this outdated technology has allowed millions of gallons of untreated, unfiltered and un-disinfected wastewater into our environment,” Viernes said. “This new program should provide all those affected: homeowners, engineers and contractors, with the assistance of educated professionals to streamline and expedite the conversion process of over 80,000 cesspools within the state of meeting the deadline of the year 2050. The program will provide each student the education and training to treat each conversion site individually according to the client’s budget, work site and state requirements.”

Those interested in pursuing a career in the wastewater industry and with a passion for protecting the state’s water resources, should contact Charlotte Cheek, project coordinator, at cheekc@hawaii.edu.