19 Feb 2018

Hawaii ponders what to do about leaking cesspools

From , 4:02 pm on 19 February 2018

A state report in Hawaii shows cesspools are leaking into drinking water sources and polluting the ocean.

Hawaii has thousands of cesspools where untreated sewage is dumped.

Puako is a popular tourist area on the Big Island.

The president of its community association, Peter Hackstedde, told Sara Vui-Talitu the leaking sewage is a crisis threatening beaches and the reef, as well as drinking water.  

Steep hills drop down to the sea and a beach

Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches Photo: RNZ / Philippa Tolley