WAI and PICHTR have secured an EPA Rural, Small and Tribal grant to accelerate Hawaiʻi's transition from cesspools to sustainable, decentralized wastewater solutions. Through this initiative, WAI is working to build a skilled local workforce, support the development of Responsible Management Entities (RMEs), and expand community outreach and education around decentralized wastewater systems. Together, these efforts aim to ensure that solutions are not only effective, but also locally managed and responsive to the needs of rural and underserved communities.
This effort is focused on establishing Responsible Management Entities (RMEs): organizations composed of diverse stakeholders with the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to operate and maintain decentralized wastewater systems within their jurisdiction. Crucially, this initiative will launch Hawaiʻi’s first-ever Wastewater Responsible Management Entity (HiRME) program, ensuring safe and sustainable wastewater management for generations to come.
We're excited to begin deeper community engagement. Next month, we are hosting our first virtual meeting and invite community stakeholders to join the RME Collective to collaboratively design this initiative. Drawing from the Collective, thematic RME Subcommittees (Cultural & Community, Ecology, Operations, Technical & Financial) will be formed to drive HiRME’s establishment.
