Fouled waters off limits till bacteria count declines

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

The state Department of Health kept warning signs posted at O'ahu waterways polluted by sewage spills and runoff from last week's heavy rains.

The department's Clean Water Branch had thought that some beach and stream closings could be canceled as early as yesterday. But after reviewing laboratory tests on water-quality samples taken at 11 locations across the island, officials decided to keep the warning signs up.

Spokeswoman Laura Lott said the waterways remained closed because bacteria counts were still high.

She said some of the warning signs could come down as early as today. The decision will be based on analysis of sampling results earlier in the day, Lott said.

Lott emphasized that the state believes the signs help to protect public health by warning people to not fish or swim in an area polluted by the sewage spills and runoff.

The city has said Kailua and Waimanalo beaches are likely to remain closed for several days, possibly until the weekend.

Areas where warning signs have been posted are: Hawai'i Kai (boat ramp), Wailupe, Palolo Stream, Manoa Stream, Honolulu Harbor, Nu'uanu Stream, Kalihi Stream, Salt Lake, Ka'elepulu Stream (Enchanted Lake), the mouth of Kailua Beach Stream and Bellows Stream in Waimanalo.

For the latest information about beaches and streams that remain closed, call the state Health Department's Clean Water Branch at 586-4309 .

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.