Construction is expected to start in September on wastewater system improvements at Ma'alaea Small Boat Harbor. The $700,000 project includes replacement of the comfort station and new environmentally sound septic tanks.

The harbor's system relies on large-capacity cesspools, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations require all existing large-capacity cesspools to be closed and replaced with an alternative wastewater system.

Cesspools discharge untreated sewage directly into the ground, where it can contaminate oceans, streams and ground water.