Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff

Beach reopens on Kaua'i

KALAPAKI, Kaua'i — The Department of Health reopened Kalapaki Beach yesterday, four days after a sewage spill closed it.

Tests at the mouth of Nawiliwili Stream and along the beach showed high contaminant levels, but officials found some of those contaminants came from sources upstream of the spill.

County officials said low stream flows and calm ocean conditions may have reduced the flushing and dilution of the contaminants.

Tests taken yesterday morning showed that water quality was acceptable for swimming.

The original spill early Sunday occurred when a primary and a backup pump both failed, as did an alarm at the Lihu'e Wastewater Treatment Plant. Some 250,000 gallons of treated sewage were released, and roughly 50,000 gallons were believed to have reached the bay.

Police seek missing girl

Big Island police are seeking help in the search for a 16-year-old Puna district girl who has been missing from her Kea'au home since Nov. 15.

Dayna Nozaki is described as being of Japanese ancestry, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing about 125 pounds. She has long brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information may call officer Peter Kuali'i at (808) 961-2373, or the police nonemergency telephone number, (808) 935-3311.

Anonymous tips can be taken by CrimeStoppers, (808) 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.