Kaua'i wants waters tested for pollution

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — County officials, concerned about pollution at swimming beaches, are asking the Department of Health to test coastal waters around the island.

The request follows revelations that at least two popular swimming beaches recently have had high counts of the bacteria that public health officials use to gauge the safety of coastal waters.

In a letter to Health Director Bruce Anderson, Mayor Maryanne Kusaka said citizens have raised questions about the safety of swimming areas such as those in Hanalei Bay near the mouth of the Hanalei River.

Tests there have shown occasional spikes in indicator bacteria. Kusaka ordered Black Pot Beach Park restrooms closed pending a study to see if they are contributing to bacteria counts. Portable toilets were provided.

Two weeks ago, the county was forced to close popular Kalapaki Beach to swimming for several days after a county sewage plant experienced a failure and caused a spill.

In that case, county officials grew concerned that pollution counts remained high even after the treated sewage effluent should have dissipated. Although no specific source has been identified, county officials said there were other sources of bacteria upstream from the sewer spill.

That finding led to concerns about possible pollution at other popular swimming beaches.