The state has posted warning signs urging people to stay out of the water at Kalaeloa after the Department of Health found a red liquid entering the ocean near the Chevron refinery at Campbell Industrial Park.

Chevron believes the effluent may be phenols, the state said. The company and state are analyzing it.

The effluent was first discovered being discharged through Chevron's ocean outfall. It was diverted to holding ponds, but still leaked to the shoreline, the state said.

"The shoreline at Barbers Point is used as a recreation area by fishermen," said Keith Kawaoka, manager of the DOH Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office.

For more information, contact the Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office at 586-4249.