Suspected organic matter found floating in waters offshore of Kahaluu

KAILUA-KONA — A U.S. Coast Guard investigator identified a brownish slick floating offshore of Kahaluu Beach Park as possibly algae, authorities said Thursday afternoon.

KAILUA-KONA — A U.S. Coast Guard investigator identified a brownish slick floating offshore of Kahaluu Beach Park as possibly algae, authorities said Thursday afternoon.

The Hawaii Department of Health posted signs of high bacteria levels at the beach on Tuesday. Since then, officials have been out every day to sample the water. The postings did not deter some beachgoers from entering the water Thursday.

The Coast Guard and the Department of Health were also at the beach Thursday taking samples of a brownish slick that appeared in the water. The Coast Guard investigator determined is was not oil and possibly algae, according to a spokeswoman with the Coast Guard.

Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the Department of Health, said officials at the Clean Water Branch also believe the slick is an organic matter. The samples taken Thursday will be examined in a lab to determine what it is.

Myron Honda, environmental health specialist with the Clean Water Branch, said enterococci levels at Kahaluu are just over the 130 mL threshold at 150 mL.

He said bacteria levels typically rise after a heavy rain because of the runoff that comes from the streams. It is usually cleared up quickly.

Okubo said the plan is for the Department of Health inspectors to go out to the beach today and possibly remove signs as bacteria levels are dropping. Samples will be taken to make sure levels are normal.

A beach advisory was also reported Keaukaha Beach Park in Hilo. Bacteria levels were recorded at 254 mL.

To follow beach advisories, visit the Clean Water Branch at http://emdweb.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/wqd/viewer/.