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Coastal Businesses Face Heightened Contamination Risk During Storms Due to Cesspool Failures

·7 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

Hawaii's Department of Health is reissuing warnings about increased contamination risks from aging cesspools during heavy rainfall, particularly storm surges. Businesses in coastal and flood-prone areas must review their environmental risk management strategies to prepare for potential operational disruptions and public health advisories.

  • Small Business Operators (coastal/flood-prone): Increased risk of temporary closures and sanitation challenges.
  • Real Estate Owners (coastal/flood-prone): Potential for property damage and increased long-term environmental liability.
  • Tourism Operators (coastal): Increased risk to guest safety and potential negative publicity affecting bookings.
  • Agriculture & Food Producers (coastal/irrigation): Risk of crop contamination and damage to water sources.
  • Healthcare Providers (coastal): Potential for increased waterborne illness cases requiring patient care.
  • Action: Monitor weather advisories and review environmental compliance protocols.

Watch & Prepare

Medium Priority

As storm events can occur unpredictably, businesses need to assess their environmental risk management and public health advisories to prevent operational downtime or liability.

Monitor meteorological forecasts for incoming storm systems and heed advisories from the Department of Health and National Weather Service regarding water quality. If a "brown water" advisory is issued for your operating area, be prepared to implement your business continuity plan, which may include temporary closures, enhanced sanitation, or communication adjustments to customers and staff. Landowners should consult with environmental engineers regarding cesspool vulnerability and potential upgrade or alternative wastewater solutions, particularly if property is in a high-risk zone.

Who's Affected
Small Business OperatorsReal Estate OwnersTourism OperatorsAgriculture & Food ProducersHealthcare Providers
Ripple Effects
  • →Increased contamination events lead to stricter coastal development regulations, reducing land availability and increasing commercial rents.
  • →Degraded coastal water quality negatively impacts tourism appeal and visitor spending, affecting hospitality sector employment.
  • →Need for robust wastewater infrastructure beyond cesspools increases capital costs for property owners and developers.
  • →Higher public health risks during storm events can lead to increased healthcare system burdens and potential local business disruptions.
Captivating view of a rainbow arching over the urban skyline of Honolulu, Hawaii, against a stormy sky.
Photo by Donovan Kelly

Coastal Businesses Face Heightened Contamination Risk During Storms Due to Cesspool Failures

Heavy rainfall events, commonly associated with Kona lows, are intensifying the risk of environmental contamination for businesses situated in coastal and flood-prone areas across Hawaii. The State Department of Health ( Department of Health ) is re-emphasizing its long-standing advisory for beachgoers to avoid swimming in "brown water" following significant storms, a direct consequence of aging and increasingly failing cesspool infrastructure.

These underground systems, which receive and treat sewage on-site, are particularly vulnerable to inundation and damage during periods of intense precipitation and storm surges. When cesspools overflow or are compromised by floodwaters, raw sewage can be discharged directly into nearby groundwater, streams, and ultimately, the ocean. This creates a significant public health hazard, including exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Who's Affected

This elevated risk directly impacts several key sectors within Hawaii's economy:

  • Small Business Operators:, for those operating restaurants, retail shops, or service businesses in coastal or low-lying areas, storm-related cesspool failures can lead to temporary operational shutdowns due to contamination concerns or direct flooding. Additionally, increased public health advisories may reduce foot traffic.

  • Real Estate Owners:, property owners, developers, and landlords with structures relying on cesspool systems, especially those near shorelines or in flood zones, face increased risks of property damage and potential long-term environmental liability. Future development permits may also be scrutinized more heavily for environmental impact.

  • Tourism Operators:, hotels, vacation rental agencies, and tour companies operating in affected coastal regions are exposed to increased reputational risk. Guest safety concerns, advisories against water activities, and potential property damage can lead to booking cancellations and reduced visitor satisfaction.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers:, farmers and aquaculture operators with facilities near the coast or relying on nearby water sources for irrigation and husbandry are at risk of crop contamination, reduced water quality, and damage to infrastructure from storm surges and polluted runoff.

  • Healthcare Providers:, clinics and hospitals, particularly those in coastal communities, should anticipate a potential rise in waterborne illnesses following heavy rain events. This can strain resources and necessitate preparedness for increased patient loads related to gastrointestinal and other infectious diseases.

Second-Order Effects

Hawaii's isolated island economy is particularly susceptible to the ripple effects of environmental disruptions. The increased frequency and severity of storm-related cesspool failures can exacerbate existing challenges. For instance: Increased contamination events → stricter coastal development regulations → reduced land availability for new businesses → upward pressure on commercial rents → higher operating costs for small businesses.

Furthermore, the degradation of coastal water quality can negatively impact tourism appeal, leading to reduced visitor spending, which in turn affects employment in the hospitality sector and the overall state economy. The need for more robust wastewater treatment infrastructure, beyond individual cesspools, becomes more pressing, potentially driving up costs for property owners and developers.

What to Do

The unpredictability of Kona lows and storm events necessitates a proactive approach to risk management. Given the "WATCH" action level, the focus is on monitoring and preparedness rather than immediate drastic action.

  • Small Business Operators, in coastal or flood-prone areas should actively monitor weather advisories from sources like the National Weather Service Honolulu and review their emergency preparedness plans. Ensure sanitation protocols are robust and that you have a communication strategy for customers during advisories.

  • Real Estate Owners, should assess their property's proximity to coastlines and flood zones, and understand the type of wastewater system in place. Review insurance policies for coverage related to flood damage and environmental remediation. Document pre-storm conditions of your property.

  • Tourism Operators, should closely monitor Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Health advisories. Prepare guest communication templates to inform them about local conditions and safety recommendations. Reinforce on-site sanitation and emergency procedures.

  • Agriculture & Food Producers, must monitor water quality reports for their irrigation sources and be prepared to halt operations or implement protective measures if contamination is detected. Evaluate the vulnerability of crops and infrastructure to storm surges and increased runoff.

  • Healthcare Providers, should review internal protocols for managing potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases and ensure adequate supplies of necessary medications and personal protective equipment.

Action Details:

Monitor meteorological forecasts for incoming storm systems and heed advisories from the Department of Health and National Weather Service regarding water quality. If a "brown water" advisory is issued for your operating area, be prepared to implement your business continuity plan, which may include temporary closures, enhanced sanitation, or communication adjustments to customers and staff. Landowners should consult with environmental engineers regarding cesspool vulnerability and potential upgrade or alternative wastewater solutions, particularly if property is in a high-risk zone.

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