UPDATE 5: Kailua Bay Now Open

UPDATE: June 15, 3:25 p.m.

The Department of Health has determined that Kailua Bay water quality has returned to normal bacteria levels; Kailua Bay is now open for water activities.

The Department of Environmental Management reports that repairs to the ruptured main at Ali‘i Drive and Palani Road are completed with final pavement work to come at a later date.

UPDATE 4: June 15

Kailua Bay remains closed today from Kamakahonu Beach to Hulihe‘e Palace seaward out to 1,000 feet due to a sewage spill that took place earlier.

Water quality continues to be monitored as areas with high bacteria levels have been detected.

Stay out of the water in this area until tests indicate bacteria levels are normal.

The Department of Environmental Management reports that repairs to the ruptured main at Ali‘i Drive and Palani Road are completed with final pavement work to come at a later date.

UPDATE 3: June 14, 4:02 p.m.

The sewage spill in Kailua Bay has been stopped, but water activities in the area are barred until health authorities are sure that the waters are safe for swimming and fishing, according to the Department of Environmental Management on Wednesday, June 14, 2017.

The discharge of untreated wastewater took place on Monday at the shoreline near Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona, and since then crews have been working to remove and replace sections of corroded sewer pipe.  The replaced sections of pipe have stopped further releases of sewage into the Bay, the department said.

Meanwhile, DEM has submitted water sampling test results to the State Department of Health.

The DOH is mandating that warning signs remain in until the Department determines that the waters are safe for swimming and fishing. Confirmatory samples are being collected and it is expected that clearance will be given effective Friday, June 16, 2017.

“The public will be kept informed on when it is safe to go back into the water,” said DEM Director William Kucharski.  “We really appreciate everyone’s patience as things get back to normal.”

UPDATE 2: June 14, 2017

Kailua Bay remains closed today,Wednesday, June 14, due to a sewage spill from Kamakahonu Beach to Hulihe‘e Palace out to sea 1,000 feet.

Additional water samples had to be taken yesterday and results are expected later today.

Stay out of the water and do not fish in this area until tests indicate bacteria levels are normal.

The Department of Environmental Management reports that work continues on repairs to the ruptured main at Ali‘i Drive and Palani Road.

Traffic delays are expected in this area during repairs. Use alternate routes.

UPDATE 1: June 13, 2017

Kailua Bay remains closed due to a sewage spill from Kamakahonu Beach to Hulihe‘e Palace seaward out to 1,000 feet.

This sewage spill was contained yesterday.

Results from water samples taken yesterday are expected later today.

Cease all water activity in this area until tests indicate bacteria levels are normal.

The Department of Environmental Management reports that work has started on repairs to the ruptured main at Ali‘i Drive and Palani Road.

Traffic delays are expected in this area for the duration of repairs. Use alternate routes.

PREVIOUS POST: June 12, 2017

The Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management has reported that a sewage spill occurred earlier today at Ali‘i Drive and Palani Road due to a ruptured main and has entered the ocean at Kailua Bay.

Warning signs are posted and Kailua Bay from Kamaka Honu Beach to Hulihe‘e Palace is currently closed out to 1,000 feet offshore.

Water samples have been taken and the Department of Health Clean Water Branch has been notified.

Cease all water activity in this area until tests indicate bacteria levels are normal.

The spill is contained and repairs to the ruptured main will begin tomorrow.

Expect road closure and/or detour in this area beginning tomorrow.