Article

The Kaua'i County Council rejected a resolution to increase a loan for the Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant from $14 million to $25.5 million. The plant, built in 1964, is outdated and currently processes about 600,000 gallons per day, well below its capacity of 1.5 million.

The proposed loan increase is to cover higher-than-expected construction bids and compliance costs. The county has until June 2026 to use the initial loan funds. Council members expressed concerns over funding an antiquated facility located in a tsunami zone, while a new plant could take over a decade to complete. The council decided to defer the decision for more detailed cost analysis.