Hawaii Septic Tank Regulations: Laws, Permits, and Compliance

Understanding Hawaii septic tank regulations is crucial for homeowners and businesses. These rules ensure wastewater is safely treated, protecting public health and the environment. Failing to comply can lead to fines, property damage, and water contamination. This guide covers everything from permits to maintenance, helping you stay compliant.

Table of Content

• Overview of Hawaii’s Septic System Laws
• Septic System Permit Requirements in Hawaii
• Design and Installation Regulations
• Septic System Inspection and Maintenance Rules
• Environmental Considerations and Compliance
• Recent Changes and Future Regulations
• Septic Permit Links by State
• Septic Permit Forms By State

Overview of Hawaii’s Septic System Laws

Hawaii has strict wastewater management laws to prevent pollution and protect its fragile ecosystem. The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) regulates septic systems under the Wastewater Branch. The state requires property owners to follow Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 11, Chapter 62, which outlines septic system standards.

Hawaii’s regulations impact residential and commercial properties, particularly in areas without municipal sewer access. New septic installations must meet strict guidelines, and older systems must be upgraded if they pose environmental risks.

DIY Fixes for Septic Tank Odors

Septic System Permit Requirements in Hawaii

Installing or upgrading a septic system in Hawaii requires a permit. Here’s what you need to know:

• Who Needs a Permit? All new septic systems and major repairs require approval from the DOH.
• How to Apply: Submit an application to the DOH Wastewater Branch, including system design plans.
• Processing Time: Approval can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
• Permit Costs: Fees vary depending on the size and type of system.
• Inspections: A final inspection ensures compliance before the system is approved for use.

How to Get a Septic Permit: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Septic Tank Installation or Repair Permit”

Design and Installation Regulations

Hawaii has specific design and installation standards for septic systems. These include:

• Minimum Septic Tank Size: Based on household or business wastewater output.
• Setback Requirements: Tanks must be a safe distance from water sources and property lines.
• Soil Testing: A percolation test determines if the soil can support a septic system.
• Approved System Types: Conventional, aerobic, and advanced treatment units may be required based on site conditions.

Improper installation can lead to system failures and costly repairs. Hiring a licensed contractor ensures compliance with Hawaii’s septic laws.

Septic System Inspection and Maintenance Rules

Regular maintenance is essential for system longevity and regulatory compliance. Hawaii requires:

• Routine Inspections: Some properties, especially near sensitive areas, must have periodic inspections.
• Pumping Frequency: Most septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years to prevent overflow.
• Record-Keeping: Homeowners must keep records of maintenance and inspections.
• Penalties: Failing to maintain a septic system can lead to fines or legal action.

Property owners should schedule routine maintenance to avoid costly issues and potential violations.

Environmental Considerations and Compliance

Hawaii’s unique environment makes proper septic management critical. Challenges include:

• Volcanic Soil: Some areas have poor soil absorption, requiring alternative systems.
• Coastal Proximity: Septic leaks can contaminate ocean water and harm marine life.
• Groundwater Protection: Regulations aim to prevent drinking water contamination.

Sustainable septic practices, such as using eco-friendly cleaners and reducing water waste, help protect Hawaii’s environment.

Recent Changes and Future Regulations

Hawaii’s septic laws continue to evolve. Recent updates include:

• Cesspool Conversions: Hawaii is phasing out cesspools due to environmental risks. Homeowners must upgrade to septic systems by 2050.
• Stricter Regulations for Sensitive Areas: Properties near coastlines and aquifers face tighter rules.
• Potential Rebates and Assistance Programs: Hawaii is exploring financial assistance for homeowners upgrading septic systems.

Staying informed on these changes helps homeowners avoid compliance issues.

Conclusion

Complying with Hawaii septic tank regulations is essential for protecting public health, the environment, and property values. Homeowners must follow permit requirements, maintain their systems, and stay updated on new laws.

Septic Permit Links by State

Alabama Septic Tank Permit	https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/onsite/forms.html
Alaska Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.alaska.gov/water/wastewater/engineering/homeowners
Arizona Septic Tank Permit	https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/oss.html#where
Arkansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/permits/pdfs/subsurface-septic-tank-app.pdf
California Septic Tank Permit	https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/septics/permits.html
Colorado Septic Tank Permit	https://cdphe.colorado.gov/OWTS
Connecticut Septic Tank Permit	https://portal.ct.gov/dph/environmental-health/environmental-engineering/environmental-engineering—-subsurface-sewage#:~:text=Septic%20systems%20on%20sites%20with,CT%20Department%20of%20Public%20Health.
Delaware Septic Tank Permit	https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/Water/Septics/forms/septic-system-permit-application.pdf
Florida Septic Tank Permit	https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/onsite-sewage-faq-permitting
Georgia Septic Tank Permit	https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage
Hawaii Septic Tank Permit	https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/epermit/app/#/formversion/a7e3ebf0-6183-4cbb-bc89-e5de66e5f619
Idaho Septic Tank Permit	https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/wastewater/septic-and-septage/
Illinois Septic Tank Permit	https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/forms/water-forms/wastewater-permits.html
Indiana Septic Tank Permit	https://www.in.gov/health/eph/onsite-sewage-systems-program/
Iowa Septic Tank Permit	https://iowacounty.iowa.gov/environmental_health/septic_systems/
Kansas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8966/Septic-Tanks-PDF
Kentucky Septic Tank Permit	https://www.lfchd.org/onsite-sewage-septic-tank-program/
Louisiana Septic Tank Permit	https://ldh.la.gov/news/2088
Maine Septic Tank Permit	https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/plumb/forms.htm
Maryland Septic Tank Permit	https://septicapplication.mde.state.md.us/Public/StatewideSepticApplication
Massachusetts Septic Tank Permit	https://www.mass.gov/lists/title-5-septic-system-forms
Michigan Septic Tank Permit	https://www.dhd10.org/homeowners/apply-for-a-new-wellseptic/
Minnesota Septic Tank Permit	https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-zoning/onsite-wastewater/apply-for-a-septic-permit
Mississippi Septic Tank Permit	https://msdh.ms.gov/page/30,0,78.html
Missouri Septic Tank Permit	https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/onsite/permitappforms.php
Montana Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.mt.gov/twr/assistance
Nebraska Septic Tank Permit	https://onestop.nebraska.gov/onsite-wastewater-septic-permit
Nevada Septic Tank Permit	https://dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/ISDS/dta/Permits/Individual_Sewage_Disposal_Systems_-_Permits/
New Hampshire Septic Tank Permit	https://onlineforms.nh.gov/app/#/formversion/e5058738-ce6b-4bab-b5f3-25dc1c33091d
New Jersey Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.nj.gov/dwq/wastewater/septic-systems/professional-information/
New Mexico Septic Tank Permit	https://www.env.nm.gov/septic/apply-for-a-permit/
New York Septic Tank Permit	https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/septic_systems.htm
North Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.carteretcountync.gov/207/Septic-System-Permits
North Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/6_SepticPumper/sp.aspx
Ohio Septic Tank Permit	https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/sewage-treatment-systems/forms
Oklahoma Septic Tank Permit	https://applications.deq.ok.gov/sewagepermit/
Oregon Septic Tank Permit	https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Residential/Pages/Onsite-Resources.aspx
Pennsylvania Septic Tank Permit	https://www.pa.gov/services/dcnr/request-water-and-septic-installation-and-modifications-to-your-state-forest-leased-campsite.html
Rhode Island Septic Tank Permit – Cesspool	https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/permitting/septic-onsite-wastewater-treatment-owts
South Carolina Septic Tank Permit	https://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspOfc?qOfcID=SCDESS
South Dakota Septic Tank Permit	https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Livestock/FeedlotPermit/Septic/default.aspx
Tennessee Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tn.gov/environment/permit-permits/water-permits1/septic-systems-permits/ssp/permit-water-septic-system-related-permits.html
Texas Septic Tank Permit	https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/ossf/ossfpermits.html
Utah Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.utah.gov/water-quality/application-forms-for-onsite-professionals-onsite-wastewater-program
Vermont Septic Tank Permit	https://dec.vermont.gov/water/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water-supply-program/wastewater-systems-and-potable-water
Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/have-you-considered-using-the-private-sector/
Washington Septic Tank Permit	https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/forms-publications
West Virginia Septic Tank Permit	https://dep.wv.gov/wwe/permit/Pages/default.aspx
Wisconsin Septic Tank Permit	https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/POWTS/Default.aspx
Wyoming Septic Tank Permit	https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-wastewater/permitting/small-wastewater-systems/

Septic Permit Forms By State

Alabama septic permit form	https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/onsite/forms.html
Alaska septic system application form	https://www.muni.org/Departments/OCPD/development-services/wells-septic/pages/forms.aspx
Arizona septic installation permit form	https://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/not.html
Arkansas septic tank permit form	https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/EHP-6-Shot-Sheet.pdf
California septic system application form	https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/publications_forms/forms/docs/form200.pdf
Colorado OWTS permit form	https://cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality-biosolids-permits
Connecticut septic permit application form	https://portal.ct.gov/deep/municipal-wastewater/permit-application-for-wastewater-discharges-from-domestic-sewage-treatment-works
Delaware septic system permit form	https://cdn.stage.expertly.cloud/Link+to+Existing+Water+License+Instructions+v3.pdf
Florida septic tank permit form	https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/onsite-sewage-forms-and-publications
Georgia septic tank permit form	https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage
Hawaii cesspool permit form	https://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/home/iws/
Idaho septic permit form	https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/admin/LEIA/index.html?view=folder&id=3045
Illinois private sewage permit form	https://cookcountypublichealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WS-Eval-Request-v4.1.pdf
Indiana septic system permit form	https://www.in.gov/health/eph/onsite-sewage-systems-program/
Iowa septic installation permit form	https://www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/water-quality/wastewater-construction/sewage-sludge-disposal
Kansas wastewater permit form	https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/632/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Permitting-For
Kentucky septic system permit form	https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/PermitCert/KPDES/Pages/default.aspx
Louisiana septic tank permit form	https://ldh.la.gov/news/2088
Maine subsurface wastewater permit form	https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/plumb/forms/hhe200-pg1-08-2011-fillable-online.pdf
Maryland septic system permit form	https://mes-mde.mde.state.md.us/WastewaterPermitPortal/
Massachusetts Title 5 septic permit form	https://www.mass.gov/lists/title-5-septic-system-forms
Michigan septic permit form	https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/joint-permit-application
Minnesota septic system permit form	https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/wastewater-permit-forms
Mississippi septic tank permit form	https://www.misscohealth.com/sewage.php
Missouri septic tank permit form	https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/onsite/permitprocess.html
Montana septic permit form	https://deq.mt.gov/twr/assistance
Nebraska septic system permit form	https://dee.nebraska.gov/water/wastewater/onsite-wastewater-program/registration-requirements
Nevada septic system permit form	https://ndep.nv.gov/water/water-pollution-control/permitting/individual-permits-npdes-state-permits
New Hampshire septic approval form	https://onlineforms.nh.gov/Home/d59c2b65-8cfd-4b02-a46e-155a22c7fa94
New Jersey septic system permit form	https://dep.nj.gov/dwq/permitting_information/permits_application_forms_and_checklists/
New Mexico liquid waste permit form	https://www.env.nm.gov/forms/
New York septic system approval form	https://dec.ny.gov/regulatory/permits-licenses/wastewater-stormwater-water-withdrawal/spdes-permit-program/application-procedures-forms
North Carolina septic permit form	https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/health/page/septic-application-forms
North Dakota septic system permit form	https://deq.nd.gov/Forms/WQ/2_NDPDES/SFN4869_SepticApp.pdf
Ohio sewage treatment system permit form	https://www.wayne-health.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/Septic%20Permit%20to%20install%20fillable%20form.pdf
Oklahoma septic permit form	https://www.deq.ok.gov/environmental-complaints-division/on-site-sewage/on-site-sewage-treatment/
Oregon septic system permit form	https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Residential/Pages/residentialseptic.aspx
Pennsylvania septic permit form	https://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Advisory%20Committees/AdvCommPortalFiles/SAC/10-26-22/06_-_3850-FM-BCW0290_APPLICATION_FOR_AN_ON-LOT_SEWAGE_SYSTEM_PERMIT.pdf
Rhode Island OWTS permit form	https://dem.ri.gov/online-services/applications-forms
South Carolina septic permit form	https://des.sc.gov/permits-regulations/septic-tanks/permits-licenses/septic-tanks-residential-single-home-builder
South Dakota septic system permit form	https://danr.sd.gov/Agriculture/Livestock/FeedlotPermit/docs/checksheet.pdf
Tennessee septic system permit form	https://www.tn.gov/environment/permit-permits/water-permits1/septic-systems-permits/ssp/wr-sds-online-application-for-ground-water-protection-services.html
Texas OSSF permit form	https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/ossf
Utah septic permit form	https://health.utahcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2021/05/Onsite-wastewater-application-updated-04-2021.pdf
Vermont wastewater permit form	https://anronline.vermont.gov/Home/83836795-4a4f-4915-bf44-2be0f8efd76e
Virginia septic permit form	https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/20/2025/02/Septic-and-Well-Application-11-11-24-1.pdf
Washington septic system permit form	https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-09/337-075.pdf
West Virginia septic permit form	https://dep.wv.gov/wwe/permit/Pages/default.aspx
Wisconsin POWTS permit form	https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/POWTS/POWTSLicenseRenewalInformation.pdf
Wyoming septic permit form	https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-wastewater/permitting/small-wastewater-systems/