Brown water advisories issued for multiple shorelines of the Big Island

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has issued a brown water advisory for all the shorelines from Pololū Valley in North Kohala to Kalae Point (South Point) in Kaʻū.

The brown waters were caused by the recent storms and heavy rain. Beach users are advised to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky. The water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

The current brown water advisories are in effect for:

• Shorelines from Pololū Valley in North Kohala to Holoholokai Beach Park in South Kohala
• Shorelines from Pauoa Bay in South Kohala and Honokohau Harbor in North Kona
• Shorelines from Alula Beach (Dog Beach) in North Kona to Honaunau Bay in South Kona
• Shorelines from Ki’ilae Bay in South Kona to Kalae Point (South Point) in Kaʻū

The Department recommends staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.

The Department of Health advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.