Cesspools in 91直播
need Green Fee funding
91直播’s beaches, reefs and nearshore waters are central to our identity, economy and quality of life. But across the state, thousands of cesspools continue to discharge untreated wastewater directly into groundwater and coastal waters, fueling algal blooms, degrading coral reefs, and threatening drinking water sources.
Cesspools are a relic of a bygone era, and their continued use is incompatible with our commitment to environmental stewardship. Cesspool pollution is not just an environmental problem. It is a public health crisis and an economic issue for communities that depend on clean water and responsible tourism.
The “Green Fee” was created so visitors help fund environmental protection, climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. The proposed Green Fee project recommendations include piloting cesspool conversions in areas most at risk, a long-standing state priority that has gone underfunded for far too long.
The Green Fee would finally unlock some resources to move this goal forward. The proposed pilot projects funded by this initiative can serve as a model for future investments, demonstrating the effectiveness of such conversions both environmentally and economically.
To increase transparency of how the Green Fee funds are used to ensure this critical work is accomplished, the Green Fee Resiliency Impact Dashboard Bill creates a public platform that reports revenues, project locations, expenditures and outcomes, including environmental and public health benefits.
Making those investments visible through the dashboard strengthens public trust and good governance.
Investing Green Fee dollars in cesspool conversion protects reefs, drinking water and public health. By committing to this initiative, we affirm our dedication to preserving the beauty and integrity of 91直播’s natural resources.
91直播 cannot afford to delay any longer. Together, we can turn the tide on cesspool pollution and create a sustainable future for all.
Ted Bohlen
Honolulu
Test ‘safe space’ program
before spending too much
Regarding “A Safe Space” (91直播, Feb. 20) about a “homeless sanctuary pilot program,” it sure sounds like a wonderful idea.
My question is, will there be a test of this program before investing some millions of dollars into homes for potentially thousands of persons in need of housing?
Perhaps build four or five dwellings and learn if these homes will actually be satisfactory for this target population and if people will use them and stay in them.
A row of tiny homes for that purpose was built at the southern end of Old Airport Park in Kailua-Kona, and they were torn down shortly after they were built for reasons unknown.
Let’s be sure to do this right this time.
Barry Blum
Kailua-Kona
