Policy gap analysis of decentralized wastewater management on a developed pacific island

On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are designed to treat wastewater on site, in a decentralized manner. If sited or managed poorly, OWTS can become significant sources of contamination to streams and marine waters. We conducted an assessment of Hawaiʻi’s legal, regulatory, and management provisions of OWTS in relation to the US EPA’s recommended guidelines that are meant to reduce failures and protect human and environmental health. We...