DOH ADVISORY ON POKAI BAY AND FLOODED WAIANAE AREAS

HONOLULU - The Department of Health is advising the public to stay out the water at Pokai Bay in Waianae. Heavy rains and storm waters flowing through Pacific Dairy in Waianae have resulted in the failure of a storm water catchment basin, causing discharge of silt and animal waste into Kaupuni Stream which flows into the bay.

The City and County Department of Environmental Services and lifeguards stationed at Pokai Bay have alerted the DOH of excessive "brown" water discharged into the bay. A dead dog was washed up on the beach fronting the Waianae Army Recreational Center, suggesting more animals may have washed into the bay and the possibility of shark feeding in the area.

The public is also asked to stay out of "ponded" storm waters at Paakea and Iliili Road (Nanakuli), Apana Road (Maiili), Wana’ao Road (Enchanted Lakes), and any other area where contaminated storm waters may be found. Storm waters can contain harmful micro-organisms (pathogens) and other harmful pollutants from overflowing sewage systems, cesspools, septic tanks, and animal wastes facilities.

Advisories are still posted for the following waterbodies due to contamination from sewage spills: