High bacteria levels detected in waters off Hilo Bay and Spencer Beach Park

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health is retesting Hilo Bay at Canoe Beach as well as Spencer Beach Park after high levels of bacteria were detected during routine monitoring.

Levels of 150 per 100 mL were detected during a recent test at Canoe Beach, and levels of 624 per 100 mL were discovered at Spencer.

The state is uncertain about the representativeness of the first sample, as these beaches have historically met the acceptable beach threshold level, and there is no known source of fecal contamination.

The Department of Health has collected another sample and is retesting the site. More information will be provided as it becomes available.