High bacteria levels detected in waters off beach park in Kohala

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health is retesting Kēōkea Bay Beach Park after high levels of bacteria were detected during a routine beach monitoring.

According to the state department, levels of 238 per 100 mL were recorded. The Department of Health is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample as the Kohala beach has historically met the acceptable beach threshold level, and there is no known source of fecal contamination.

Another water sample has been collected and is being retested. The department will provide an update with those results.