HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0442.005 1998-2000 ~,N~V
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Stephen K. Yamashiro Richard Wurdeman
VtayOr ~ Corporation Counsel
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OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL
10l Aupuni Street' Suite 325 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4262 • (808) 961.8251 • Fax (808) 961-8622
October 8, 1999
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Councilman J. Curtis Tyler C ? ~
Hawaii County Council = ~
25 Aupuni Street - r•
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 ~
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Re: Sewer Definition w
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You have asked about definitions of "public sewers" and "gang cesspools" and whether
there are any differences. The definition of a "public sewer" is set forth in Section 21-2, Hawaii
County Code, which defines a public sewer, simply as a sewer controlled by the County.
A "gang cesspool" has no legal definition, but is generally defined as a cesspool that
services more than one residence, business or lot. The term "cesspool" is defined in Section 104 of
the Uniform Plumbing Code 1991, which has been adopted by the County pursuant to Section 17-
23, Hawaii County Code. It defines "cesspool" as:
"A cesspool is a lined excavation in the ground which receives the
dischazge of a drainage system or part thereof, so designed as to
retain the organic matter and solids discharging therein, but
permitting the liquids to seep through the bottom and sides."
Your final inquiry was whether there was a difference between the two. Typically, a public
sewer consists of all facilities for the collecting, pumping, treating and disposing of sewage. This
would include the lateral connections, manholes, sewer mains, and treatment facilities. A gang
cesspool would be much more rudimentary, basically a cesspool connecting up two or more users.
In reseazching this response, I spoke with Mr. Harold Yee of the State Department of
Health, Wastewater Branch. He indicated that the health rules don't really allow for gang
cesspools, but they aze usually constructed as a temporary measure until permanent hookups to a
sewer system can be made. Unfortunately, many hookups are never completed and the gang
cesspools persist until today.
I hope your inquiry has been answered. If not, feel free to call me at 961-8251.
Sincerely Yours, LL,,tt,,
C~AKAS~Z~ TT~ . OOt
Deputy Corporation Counsel Comm. No.
1.31e No. 5 U B
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a:\wastewater\ltrdefinesewer.wpd Ref• To:
Ref• Date- _OCT 2 6 1999