Cesspool pollution is a problem in Hawaiʻi. Mandatory upgrades to unaffordable and unreliable septic systems are a problem too.
Water Infrastructure designed in Hawai'i for Hawai'i.
Hawai‘i’s wastewater crisis is more than an ecological problem — it’s a social one. Across the islands, aging cesspools are quietly releasing millions of gallons of pollution into the ground every day and the options to fix it just aren't affordable.
WaiHome was founded in 2021 from a simple belief: wastewater solutions that force homeowners into debt aren't solutions. We set out to design systems that were affordable and rooted in the realities of island living.
Why We Need Change
Location
Nearly 35% of homes still rely on cesspools, many located in flood-prone or high groundwater zones. This means that 53 million gallons of untreated sewage enters our ground and coasts every day.
Legislation
New cesspools have been banned statewide. By 2050, 84,000 existing cesspools must be upgraded or replaced. Without affordable solutions, Hawai‘i risks missing this critical deadline.
Insufficient Choices
In coastal regions, septic tanks frequently fail due to high groundwater and saltwater intrusion. Digging leach fields into porous volcanic soil pushes contaminants into aquifers and nearshore springs
Cost of Excavation
Replacing cesspools with septic tanks is out of reach for most homeowners. With installation costs between $20,000 and $60,000, septic systems are unaffordable for 97% of households.
Water Infrastructure designed in Hawai'i for Hawai'i.
Hawaiʻi’s wastewater crisis is more than an ecological problem — it’s a social one. Across the islands, aging cesspools are quietly releasing millions of gallons of pollution into the ground every day and the options to fix it just aren't affordable.
WaiHome was founded in 2021 from a simple belief: wastewater solutions that force homeowners into debt aren't solutions. We set out to design systems that were affordable and rooted in the realities of island living.
Why we need a change:
Location
Nearly 35% of homes still rely on cesspools, many located in flood-prone or high groundwater zones. This means that 53 million gallons of untreated sewage enters our ground and coasts every day.
Legislation
New cesspools have been banned statewide. By 2050, 84,000 existing cesspools must be upgraded or replaced. Without affordable solutions, Hawaiʻi risks missing this critical deadline.
Insufficient Choices
In coastal regions, septic tanks frequently fail due to high groundwater and saltwater intrusion. Digging leach fields into porous volcanic soil pushes contaminants into aquifers and nearshore springs
Cost of Excavation
Replacing cesspools with septic tanks is out of reach for most homeowners. With installation costs between $20,000 and $60,000, septic systems are unaffordable for 97% of households.
Our Team
James Roberts
Founder, CEO, Process Engineer
A creative visionary leading process innovation and business growth.
Gregory Wong
Founder, COO, Product Engineer
Manages creative visionary.
Dr. Natasha Keshishian
Architectural Consultant
On a mission to make sewage sexy.
Scott Parsons
Manufacturing Technican
Olympic river kayaker makes good on protecting the waters he once paddled.
Will Gotanda
Product Development Engineer
Just joined the team, will update when we know him better.
After 4 years and $2.6 million in research and development, WaiHome’s Mata is preparing for deployment across Hawaiʻi.
