KAILUA-KONA — The Kailua Pier closed Monday afternoon after county crews discovered a sewage leak had entered the ocean on Palani Road in front of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.
The southbound lane of Palani Road initially closed about 12:30 p.m. A press release from the Hawaii Civil Defense Agency received at 3:30 p.m. stated the Department of Environmental Management confirmed the sewage spill at Alii Drive and Palani Road had entered the ocean.
Warning signs were posted at Kailua Bay from Kamakahonu Beach to Hulihee Palace. The water is currently closed out to 1,000 feet offshore.
Throughout the afternoon, Alika DeMello, superintendent of the county’s Environmental Management wastewater division, said crews were working to determine if sewage was getting into the ocean and if the roadway was safe to drive on.
“Contaminated water” signs were posted as a precaution before the spill was confirmed because, DeMello said, there was a risk that sewage may have leaked into the ocean.
According to the Hawaii Civil Defense Agency, water samples were taken and the Department of Health Clean Water Branch was notified.
All water activities are to stop in the area until tests indicate bacteria levels are normal.
The spill is contained and repairs to the ruptured main will begin Tuesday. Expect a road closure and/or detour.