By Staff Reports
(Oahu)– The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has officially activated the new $11 million ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (KRWWTP). After completing a strict testing and commissioning process with zero failures, the system is now fully online and operating every day to help safeguard Kailua’s ocean environment
The UV system uses light instead of chemicals to disinfect treated wastewater before it is released, adding a powerful new layer of environmental protection. For residents, this means a healthier marine ecosystem and added confidence that Kailua’s beaches and near shore waters are safe for swimming, fishing and other ocean activities.
“The upgrade strengthens the protection of our shoreline in a way that is clean and efficient for Kailua’s long-term future,” Roger Babcock, Director of Environmental Services, said. “Residents can rest assured knowing we are using the latest technology to care for our ocean.”
“As a coastal community, protection of Kailua Bay’s water quality is so important to us,” Honolulu City Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina said. “I am excited about the completion of the UV system, which will help to mitigate the bacteria exceedance levels that we have been experiencing the past several years. I look forward to working with the City on longer term infrastructural improvements at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The UV unit, engineered specifically for the Kailua plant, is 50% more efficient than older systems using less energy while delivering a more reliable performance. The updated technology also means component parts last longer and require less maintenance, ensuring consistent operation and long-term cost savings.
The system entered service after a successful two-month start-up and commissioning period, which required the equipment to run continuously without failure. The Kailua system passed on the tests, demonstrating its reliability and readiness.
With the system now active, the community benefits immediately from:
- Cleaner, safer shoreline water quality
- Stronger protection for coral reefs and marine life
- An added chemical-free, energy-efficient disinfection process
- A modernized plant built for future generations
The UV upgrade also fulfills ENV’s agreement with regulators to have the system installed and fully operational by December 31, 2025, meeting all requirements ahead of schedule.
The public is encouraged to visit the ENV Kailua Shoreline Water Quality webpage for water quality sample data taken regularly at seven stations in Kailua Bay near the WWTP.
B-roll and photos of the Kailua UV System are available here at the link. Please courtesy ‘The Department of Environmental Services’
Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
The KRWWTP serves a large portion of the Koʻolaupoko District, including communities in Kāneʻohe, ʻĀhuimanu, and Kailua neighborhoods like Aikahi Park, Maunawili, Enchanted Lake, and Lanikai. Wastewater is collected via 26 pump stations and delivered to the plant for full secondary treatment before being safely discharged through a deep ocean outfall.
The Mokapu deep ocean outfall extends over 5,000 feet offshore and lies 105 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, ensuring treated effluent is released far from sensitive nearshore waters like Kailua Bay. This engineered discharge system supports the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship by minimizing ecological impact.
For additional information about KRWWTP log on to our website: https://www.honolulu.gov/env/wtd/kailua-regional-wastewater-treatment-plant/
Department of Environmental Services
City and County of Honolulu
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