Hawai‘i’s wastewater crisis has long posed a serious threat to our coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and community health. But in the past year, thanks to focused coordination, strategic advocacy, and deep relationship-building, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) and partners helped turn the page on fragmented efforts and launched a new, united front.
In partnership with 17 government agencies, nonprofits, researchers, and community groups, CORAL successfully created an alliance that focused on Hawai‘i’s statewide wastewater threats to coral reefs.
This new alliance is a reimagined, reenergized network built for impact, aligning diverse partners around shared goals, transparent governance, and lasting solutions. Together, we’re working to accelerate cesspool conversion, pilot new technologies, and advance smart legislation that protects people and reefs alike.
An Alliance Built on Momentum and Trust
Throughout the past year, CORAL convened four meetings and more than 10 one-on-one sessions to align members, build consensus, and draft shared goals. We knew solving Hawai‘i’s wastewater challenges would require not just technical expertise, but trust and shared leadership. So we prioritized inclusive facilitation, equitable planning, and long-term resilience from the start.
The result: a collaborative body that’s already making waves in policy. During the 2025 legislative session, the alliance helped champion critical bills, like the Green Fee Legislation (SB1396), which will generate sustainable wastewater funding through tourism revenue, as well as HB736, which kickstarts a pilot program for new wastewater technologies.
A Bold, Unified Vision Ahead
This is just the beginning. We’re now laying the groundwork for the coalition’s next chapter, including hiring a strategic planning and facilitation consultant, developing a statewide socialization campaign, and conducting targeted community engagement in regions with the highest wastewater impacts.
Ultimately, this work aligns with CORAL’s broader vision: clean water for coral reefs and coastal communities. As we begin to operationalize our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, the formation of the Hawai‘i Wastewater Alliance is a powerful example of what’s possible when we come together—across sectors, islands, and ideologies—to create lasting change.
We’re grateful to the Harold Castle Foundation, Kosasa Foundation, and Fairbairn Foundation for helping make this progress possible, and to The Nature Conservancy for stepping in with catalytic support to keep the momentum going.
Because clean water can’t wait—and neither can we.
