KAILUA-KONA — The Kailua Pier closed Monday afternoon after county crews discovered a sewage leak entered the ocean on Palani Road in front of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
KAILUA-KONA — The Kailua Pier closed Monday afternoon after county crews discovered a sewage leak entered the ocean on Palani Road in front of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
The southbound lane of Palani Road initially closed about 12:30 p.m. A press release from Hawaii County Civil Defense received at 3:30 p.m. stated the Department of Environmental Management confirmed the sewage spill at Alii Drive and Palani Road entered the ocean.
Warning signs were posted. Kailua Bay was closed out to 1,000 feet offshore from Kamakahonu Beach to Hulihe‘e Palace.
Throughout the afternoon, Alika DeMello, superintendent of Environmental Management’s wastewater division, said crews were working to determine if sewage was getting into the ocean and if the roadway was safe to drive on.
“Contaminated water” signs were posted as a precaution before the spill was confirmed because, DeMello said, there was a risk that sewage might have leaked into the ocean.
According to Civil Defense, water samples were taken and the state Department of Health Clean Water Branch was notified.
All water activities are to stop in the area until tests indicate bacteria levels are normal.
The spill is contained and repairs to the ruptured main will beginning today.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.