UH Maui College launched a wastewater specialist certificate program in 2024 to help address a workforce shortage slowing Hawaii’s mandated cesspool conversion effort. The state faces a 2050 legislative deadline to eliminate more than 83,000 cesspools that currently leak raw sewage into coastal waters.
- Hawaii law requires all cesspools to be converted to cleaner alternatives by 2050, but slow progress and workforce shortages threaten that timeline.
- UH Maui College began offering a one-year Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist certificate in 2024, funded by a $1.1 million NSF grant.
- More than 83,000 cesspools statewide discharge tens of millions of gallons of raw sewage daily, damaging coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
- Expanding the trained workforce is expected to increase competition and potentially lower conversion costs for property owners.
- Wastewater sector jobs offer strong stability and median hourly wages of $21–$41, with private-sector growth projected above 11%.
Source: Civil Beat
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