普阿克社区正通过非营利组织Puakō For Reefs推进一项低压液体污水系统建设项目，以替代传统化粪池，防止高氮污水对珊瑚礁的破坏[1]。该系统采用6英寸管道，埋深较浅，造价仅为1200万美元，相比传统重力污水系统的1.2亿美元降低了90%[1]。系统建成后将服务约200户住宅，每户的连接费用约为40,000美元[1]。
该项目已获得夏威夷县政府支持，社区已申请成为社区设施特区，拟通过特殊税收债券在40年内偿还费用[1]。根据规划，项目将于2027年底前完成规划和许可工作，2028年正式开工[1]。夏威夷县市长Kimo Alameda表示："This is the most organized community right now. They have a plan. This could be the model for the state."[1]
夏威夷州要求到2050年改造超过49,000个化粪池[1]，普阿克社区的成功经验有望为其他沿海社区推广这一可行方案。
The Puakō community on Hawaiʻi's Big Island is moving forward with a low-pressure wastewater system designed to replace traditional cesspools and protect nearby coral reefs from nitrogen-rich sewage.[1] The nonprofit organization Puakō For Reefs is spearheading the initiative, which will serve approximately 200 residential units at a connection cost of roughly $40,000 per household.[1]
The low-pressure system carries a significantly lower price tag than conventional gravity-fed alternatives, costing $12 million compared to $120 million for traditional infrastructure.[1] The community has applied to become a Community Facilities District and plans to finance the project over 40 years through special tax bonds.[1] Planning and permitting are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, with construction set to begin in 2028.[1] The low-pressure approach utilizes 6-inch pipes at shallow depths, reducing construction expenses.[1]
County Mayor Kimo Alameda expressed confidence in the proposal, stating: "This is the most organized community right now. They have a plan. This could be the model for the state."[1] The initiative arrives as Hawaiʻi State has mandated the conversion of more than 49,000 cesspools by 2050.[1]