Updated at 4:48 p.m., Friday, August 10, 2007
Bacteria closes Kauai beach
Advertiser Staff
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The state Department of Health today posted signs warning swimmers to stay out of the water at the eastern end Kalapaki Beach after detecting bacteria from a sewage leak into Nawiliwili Bay.The agency was notified Wednesday of the possible contamination and took samples yesterday, said Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo. Results released today indicate the bacteria were from a human fecal source.
The leak was traced to a broken sewerline connection at a private residence, Okubo said. The discharge has been ranging from 1 to 5 gallons per minute, and health officials and the neighboring Kaua'i Marriott Resort are working together to fix the problem, since hotel guests use the beach, she said.
Warning signs were posted 100 yards west from the eastern end of Kalapaki Beach and will remain posted until repairs are completed and bacteria levels return to normal, Okubo said.
