Elevated bacteria levels detected at Kahalu’u Beach on Hawaiʻi Island, but another test needed

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health is conducting a follow-up water testing at Kahaluʻu Park on Hawaiʻi Island after routine monitoring detected elevated bacteria levels on Wednesday morning, the department said in a news release.

An initial sample showed levels of 164 per 100 mL were detected during routine beach monitoring. 

This is slightly above the threshold considered safe for recreational use. However, because Kahaluʻu Beach has a long history of meeting water quality standards and there are no known sources of fecal pollution in the area, the Department of Health said it believes the result may not accurately reflect typical conditions.

Out of an abundance of caution, a new water sample has been collected and is being analyzed.

The department will update the public once retesting is completed and more accurate data is available.

For more information on bacterial levels, click here.