LIHUE >> Kauai real estate agents are opposing proposed new statewide rules for the regulation of cesspools.

The state Department of Health wants to prohibit the installation of new cesspools. It’s also wants to require property owners to either connect to a sewer system or install a septic system within 180 days of a property’s sale.

The Garden Island newspaper reports the Kauai Board of Realtors says the cost of installing such upgrades would adversely affect buyers and sellers.

Department of Health wastewater branch chief Sina Pruder says the proposed rule changes adopt the same requirements that other states already use to upgrade existing cesspools.

Pruder says cesspools can degrade water quality, stimulate algae growth and harm coral reefs.

There are about 90,000 cesspools in Hawaii. Nearly 14,000 are on Kauai.