500 Gallons of Wastewater Overflows in Kīhei

Wastewater Overflow. Maui Now Graphics.

By Maui Now Staff

A mechanical failure at the Kīhei Pump Station #5 resulted in the overflow of an estimated 500 gallons of wastewater along South Kīhei Road today.

Officials with the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management say the overflow started at around 12 a.m., and was stopped by 12:30 a.m.

The overflow occurred on South Kīhei Road between Līpoa and Halekūʻai Street.

County officials say the Wastewater flowed from three manholes on South Kīhei Road into a storm drain that discharges into the pond adjacent to St. Theresa Church.

The sewage reportedly reached the pond; however, a sand berm at the west end of the pond prevented the sewage from entering the ocean, according to county officials.

A County chemist took water samples at the pond and at the ocean for microbiological analysis. Signs have since been posted along the pond and at the beach area fronting the pond, but no beach closures were posted.

The malfunction was corrected and the spill site at South Kīhei Road was cleaned and disinfected. The State Department of Health was also notified.