Wastewater discharge into Puhi Bay in Hilo prompts advisory

The Hawai‘i Department of Health is advising the public to remain out of the waters from Puhi Bay to Onekahakaha in Hilo because of a discharge of partially treated wastewater from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant.

According to the Health Department, an estimated 2.2 million gallons of partially treated sewage began spilling into the bay at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The discharge was stopped by 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

The public is advised to remain out of these waters until warning signs have been removed.

As a reminder, a brown water advisory also remains in effect for the area from Hilo Bay and along the Hāmākua Coast.