This agreement provides a capitalization grant, funded by the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58), for the recipient's drinking water state revolving fund program (DWSRF)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 awarded the Hawaii Department of Health a $7.91 million capitalization grant under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program (CFDA 66.468) on October 1, 2025, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The grant provides full federal funding for the state's drinking water infrastructure revolving loan fund, which will extend low-interest rate financing to eligible public water systems for planning, design, and construction of drinking water improvement projects with a primary focus on emerging contaminants, particularly Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The award is designed to advance public health protection objectives under the Safe Drinking Water Act through improved drinking water infrastructure.

In addition to core financing activities, the recipient may allocate a portion of funds for technical assistance to small water systems, operator certification activities, and source water protection initiatives. A sub-award to the Board of Water Supply for the Mililani Wells I Water Treatment Plant Improvements project demonstrates the operational application of these funds toward specific water system enhancements. The anticipated deliverables include financing and construction of emerging contaminant-focused public health projects, increased technical and managerial capacity for public water systems, and public health protection benefits for state citizens. The grant period extends through September 30, 2030.

These funds are for DWSRF-eligible projects that address emerging contaminants in drinking water with a focus on projects addressing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The award furthers the public health protection objectives of the safe drinking water act (SDWA). This agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $7,907,000.00. Refer to terms and conditions. Activities:the recipient of these funds will provide low interest rate financing to eligible public water systems for the costs associated with the planning, design, and construction of eligible drinking water improvement projects. The recipient may also use some of the funding for specific set-asides, including but not limited to providing technical assistance to small systems, for operator certification activities, and source water protection activities.subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include financing, planning, design, and construction of eligible emerging contaminant-focused, public health-related projects. Deliverables will also be used to increase the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of public water systems. The expected outcome is public health protection. The intended beneficiaries include citizens throughout the state.