KAILUA-KONA — Kailua Bay remained closed to swimming Tuesday afternoon as work on a ruptured sewer line discovered Monday on Palani Road and Alii Drive continued.
KAILUA-KONA — Kailua Bay remained closed to swimming Tuesday afternoon as work on a ruptured sewer line discovered Monday on Palani Road and Alii Drive continued.
Kamakahonu Beach to Hulihe‘e Palace seaward out to 1,000 feet remains off limits until water samples collected Monday are tested, indicating normal bacteria levels.
The spill was discovered when a crack in the road in front of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel started spewing water. The leak was quickly contained Monday.
County crews spent Tuesday digging up the road to find the pipe to assess the damage.
The 55-year-old, 6-inch cast iron pipe was located Tuesday afternoon, said Diane Noda, deputy director of the county Department of Environmental Management. After finding the line, crews worked to learn what caused the rupture.
“Contaminated water” signs and yellow tape were seen around the pier and at the hotel beach.
Kalei Villacorte, director of safety and security at the hotel, said it was recommended to their guests that they stay out of the water until test results come back.
As work continues in the area, officials say motorists should expect delays and alternative routes.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.