Heavy Rains Prompt Brown Water Advisory at Honokahua Bay

Honokahua Bay brown water advisory, April 6, 2016. Photo credit: state Department of Health.

The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch issued a Brown Water Advisory for Honokahua Bay in West Maui, due to heavy rains on Wednesday, April 6, 2016.

The department issued a notification saying, the “public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris.”

The advisory includes waters at DT Fleming Beach and Makaluapuna Point.

Honokahua Bay brown water advisory. Image courtesy State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health.

The advisory also noted: “Not all waters may be affected, however if the water is brown stay out and continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns.”

The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement earlier today noting that strong high pressure building well north of Kauai and a stalled front over the Big Island will result in windy northeasterly trade winds across portions of Maui County today.

Maui reported rain totals in excess of 3.67 inches over the 24-hour period ending at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the West Wailuaiki gauge.  Other locations with significant rain included: Puʻu Kukui (2.8″); Pukalani (2.32″); and Mahinahina (1.49″).