The Hawaii County Council has approved a $31 million capital budget amendment to fund construction of a major upgrade to the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant, fulfilling a legal requirement to begin producing high-quality recycled water.
The upgrade is part of a larger $40.3 million project, which has already received more than $9 million in planning and design funds in previous years.
Bill 79, which allocates $31 million for construction, passed its second reading unanimously before the council on Oct. 8. It had previously passed its first reading on Sept. 17, receiving the required two-thirds vote. The bill initially was cleared by the Finance Committee on Sept. 2.
According to the county Department of Environmental Management, the project will replace the plant’s aging sand filter system — which treats about 100,000 gallons per day — with modern components capable of processing between 1.4 million and 2.8 million gallons daily. Planned upgrades include membrane bioreactor tanks, a dissolved air flotation system, ultraviolet disinfection, and new pumps, piping, valves and control systems.
The project is required to comply with a recent legal settlement mandating the production of R-1 recycled water — the highest grade of recycled water — for non-potable reuse such as irrigation or habitat restoration. The upgrade is also expected to reduce environmental risk and support energy conservation goals.
While the $31 million will fund the construction of treatment facilities, it does not include distribution infrastructure for the recycled water.
A request for proposals for design and construction was issued earlier this year. Responses are due by Dec. 1.
Construction is expected to begin by March 2026 and be completed by June 30, 2029, according to the mayor’s spokesman, Tom Callis.
Funding sources for the project include general obligation bonds, the Capital Projects Fund balance, and other state and federal funds.
Email Daniel Farr at dfarr@hawaiitribune-herald.com.