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Since you need a catchment water system on the Big Island for your water, I'm wondering if anyone has any experience, particularly the permitting process, of using composting toilets and recycling grey water.
I've read the most current Hawaii Health Department Regs that are on the internet. I know that at least some composting toilets are allowed. But The Regs about grey water systems refer to other documents I don't have access to. What I read does not seem too accepting of the idea.
Any information would be appreciated.
I'm also wondering if someone there can give me a ballpark "average" cost for an installed septic system in Puna for a 2 BR house.
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Aloha,
The total cost of our septic system was $6,000. I can recommend Big Island excavating for the job, ask for Joe Early.
Our system was installed in May 2005 so the price should be close.
Lee
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if you live on an acre or more you can put in a cesspool, costs about $1500 plus cement cap.
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I really appreciate the information. The web is a wonderful tool once you find the right places to ask the right questions.
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Aloha all - my first time on Punaweb! I'd really like to know if anyone has used the composting toilets. When we were out there last month, we checked at Scoshi's Sauces and Propane in Honokaa, and they have the toilets. Gave us some printed info, which sounds promising, but I'd like to hear from someone who's used one. Some use electricity and some don't. Some use a small amount of water. I was thinking it would save us from having to put in a cesspool or septic, but then I figured what about all the grey water? Do I really want to dump that on the already wet ground in Eden Roc? Don't want the mosquitoes to have a new playground. SO I figure even if we go with composting toilets, we'll have a cesspool or septic to handle at least the majority of the grey water. Any comments on this? Thanks.
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don't have an answer about the toilets, however if you don't put in a cesspool or septic system you won't be able to get a buliding permit.
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I dont know anything about composting toilets, but I work at Pahoa Hardware and we just got one in, in the last container. Its a Sun-Mar. Im not sure of the model but it sells for around $1500. to $1600. Anyone interested might stop in and take a look to see what they are all about. This isnt a sales pitch, just thought it might be helpful for all those interested.
Larry
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I also thought water catchments would require composting toilets. However, it seems most people are using regular flush toilets? And you can always get larger catchments to hedge against the dry periods.
Free publication from UHM on water catchments and other interesting topics;
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ctahr2001/PIO/FreePubs.asp
Ajit
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Here is a money saving idea, sort of, There is actually a cabin for sale with one in place. see mls 170703. good for the seasonal traveler or tree hugger.
) The Incinolet all electric toilet, requires no plumbing.
Edited by - HADave on 01/16/2006 21:43:53
Aloha HADave & Mz P
Hawaiian Acres
The best things in life are free.... or have no interest or payments for one full year.
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Hi - the last time my husband and I stayed on the BI, we stayed at at place over by Kehena Beach that used a composting toilet. As a short-term user, I thought it was fine, but when I asked the owners how they liked it, they said it gave them some trouble because of the humidity in Hawaii - something to talk to the supplier about, anyway.
Best of luck and lots of blessings!
