# Engineered Septic Solutions

> Licensed professional engineering firm specializing in individual wastewater system (IWS) design, cesspool conversion, percolation testing, and DOH construction inspection on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi (Kona Corridor).

## Business Summary

- **Company:** Engineered Septic Solutions (ESS)
- **Principal Engineer:** Matthew Jaroslawski, PE — licensed in Hawaii, Oregon, and California
- **Experience:** 15+ years of wastewater and civil engineering
- **Location:** Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi (serves the full Kona Corridor and Big Island)
- **Website:** https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com
- **Contact:** https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/contact.html

## Services

### IWS Design & Permitting
Complete individual wastewater system engineering and DOH Wastewater Branch permitting under HAR Chapter 11-62. Includes site evaluation, system type selection (conventional septic, aerobic treatment unit, drip irrigation), construction drawings, and permit application. Required for all new construction or major renovations on properties not connected to municipal sewer.

### Cesspool Conversion
Engineering and permitting services for converting prohibited cesspools to compliant IWS under Hawaii Act 125 (HRS §342D-72). Hawaii has mandated that all cesspools statewide be converted to permitted IWS by 2050. ESS manages the full conversion process including design, DOH permitting, contractor coordination, and final certification.

### Percolation Test Supervision
Professional percolation (perc) testing per HAR Chapter 11-62 Appendix C. Required before any IWS can be designed. Involves excavating test holes and measuring the rate at which the native soil absorbs water, which determines the required leach field size and IWS type.

### Construction Inspection & Certification
On-site inspections during IWS construction to verify compliance with approved plans. Upon completion, ESS obtains the DOH Approval to Use letter — the required document before a property can occupy or use the new wastewater system.

## Service Area

- Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
- Holualoa, HI 96725
- Captain Cook, HI 96704
- Kealakekua, HI 96750
- Honaunau, HI 96726
- Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
- North Kona Corridor
- South Kona Corridor
- Greater Big Island of Hawaiʻi (by arrangement)

## Key Regulatory Context

- **HAR Chapter 11-62** — Hawaii Administrative Rules governing all individual wastewater systems in the state. Sets design standards, permitting requirements, and inspection protocols.
- **Hawaii DOH Wastewater Branch** — The state agency that issues IWS permits and the Approval to Use letter.
- **Act 125 / HRS §342D-72** — Hawaii state law requiring all cesspools to be converted to permitted IWS by 2050. Affects an estimated 88,000 cesspools statewide — more than any other U.S. state.
- **Cesspool** — An unlined pit that receives untreated sewage. Illegal for new construction since 1991; existing cesspools must be converted by 2050 under Act 125.
- **IWS (Individual Wastewater System)** — The Hawaii term for what is commonly called a septic system. Includes the septic tank, treatment components, and a leach field or drip irrigation system.
- **Approval to Use** — The DOH letter required before a property with a new or converted IWS can be legally occupied or used.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Who does septic system design in Kona, Hawaii?**
A: Engineered Septic Solutions, led by Matthew Jaroslawski PE, provides IWS design, cesspool conversion, percolation testing, and DOH inspection services for the Kona Corridor on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

**Q: Do I have to convert my cesspool in Hawaii?**
A: Yes. Under Hawaii Act 125 (HRS §342D-72), all cesspools in the state must be converted to a compliant individual wastewater system (IWS) by January 1, 2050. Some properties may have earlier deadlines based on proximity to water bodies or other factors.

**Q: What is an IWS in Hawaii?**
A: IWS stands for Individual Wastewater System — Hawaii's term for a permitted onsite sewage treatment system. It typically consists of a septic tank, an aerobic or anaerobic treatment component, and a subsurface leach field or drip irrigation disposal field. All IWS must be designed by a licensed PE and permitted by the Hawaii DOH Wastewater Branch under HAR Chapter 11-62.

**Q: Do I need a licensed engineer to convert my cesspool in Hawaii?**
A: Yes. Under HAR Chapter 11-62, all IWS design and permitting must be prepared and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) registered in the State of Hawaii.

**Q: How long does the IWS permitting process take in Hawaii?**
A: The full process — from initial site evaluation through DOH permit issuance — typically takes 3 to 6 months depending on DOH review times and site complexity. ESS manages every step to keep the process moving.

**Q: What is a percolation test and do I need one?**
A: A percolation test (perc test) measures how quickly water drains through the native soil on your property. It is required by HAR Chapter 11-62 before any IWS can be designed. Results determine the required leach field size and eligible IWS types for your specific site.

**Q: What areas does Engineered Septic Solutions serve?**
A: ESS serves the full Kona Corridor of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi — including Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Honaunau, and Waikoloa. Contact ESS for projects outside this area.

**Q: What is the DOH Approval to Use letter?**
A: The Approval to Use is the official letter issued by the Hawaii Department of Health Wastewater Branch upon successful completion and inspection of a new or converted IWS. It is required before the property can be legally occupied or used with the new system.

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/) — Overview, services summary, Act 125 mandate information
- [Services](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/services.html) — Detailed service descriptions for IWS design, cesspool conversion, perc testing, and construction inspection
- [Our Process](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/process.html) — Step-by-step IWS permitting process from first contact to Approval to Use
- [About](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/about.html) — Matthew Jaroslawski PE credentials and background
- [Service Area](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/area.html) — Geographic coverage map and community list
- [Resources](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/blog.html) — Act 125 guidance, HAR Chapter 11-62 overview, IWS FAQ for property owners
- [Contact](https://www.engineeredsepticsolutions.com/contact.html) — Project inquiry form