LIHUE — The state Department of Health has lifted a contaminated water advisory for Hanamaulu Stream and bay following last week’s sewage spill in Kapaia. Watson Okubo of DOH’s Clean Water Branch said that recent water sampling by the department
LIHUE — The state Department of Health has lifted a contaminated water advisory for Hanamaulu Stream and bay following last week’s sewage spill in Kapaia.
Watson Okubo of DOH’s Clean Water Branch said that recent water sampling by the department shows that bacteria counts in the stream and bay have returned to normal levels.
“Basically, it’s cleaning up really well,” he said.
On June 3, a manhole along Kuhio Highway overflowed, sending upwards of 18,000 gallons of raw sewage into Hanamaulu Stream and forcing DOH to issue an advisory urging people to stay out of the water. The spill was reported around 8 a.m. and resulted from an obstruction in the sewer main caused by an accumulation of grease and other debris.
County spokeswoman Beth Tokioka said DOH issued the all-clear based on stream and bay monitoring, and approved the county’s removal of sewage spill signs in the area on Monday. Samples were collected and analyzed daily June 3-8
