Brown Water Advisory: Honokahua, Maui

The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch on Wednesday issued a Brown Water Advisory for Honokahua Bay in West Maui, due to heavy rains.  The advisory remained in effect on Thursday, March 17, 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.

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 a cold front was expected to move across Maui County and the Big Island of Hawaiʻi today, bringing gusty north to northeast winds.

Three locations on Maui reported rain totals in excess of 1.5 inches over the 24-hour period ending at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016.  Those locations include: Hāna Airport (1.59″); West Wailuaiki (1.91″); and Kahakuloa (1.85″).

Brown water, Honokahua Bay (3.16.16). Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi State Department of Health.

Honokahua Bay brown water advisory, 3/16/16. Image courtesy State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health.

Brown water, Honokahua Bay (3.16.16). Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi State Department of Health.

Brown water, Honokahua Bay (3.16.16). Photo courtesy: Hawaiʻi State Department of Health.