WAIKOLOA — A break on a 12-inch diameter sewer pipeline at approximately 7 a.m. Tuesday caused wastewater to leak onto the ground alongside Waikoloa Beach Drive, in the Waikoloa Beach Resort on Hawaii island. Hawaii Water Service said in a press release this morning that they responded immediately to the area to contain the break and ensure public safety.
Immediately upon arrival, Hawaii Water set up barricades, cones, and warning tape to restrict public access. The utility also mobilized its pumper truck, excavator equipment, and private pumper truck contractors to assist in bypassing the sewage pump station to enable repair of the pipeline.
Crews shut down the line, which broke due to tree root intrusion, and made repairs by 12:15 p.m. Crews have determined that 2,100 gallons leaked above-ground, however, wastewater did not enter any waterways at any time.
Hawaii Water has reported the leak and is working with the appropriate government agencies, including the Hawaii State Department of Health Wastewater Branch.
“We are in the process of having this section of sewer main replaced, which should be completed in November of this year,” said Tony Carrasco, Hawaii Water general manager. “Being able to respond quickly also enabled us to keep the leak from impacting the environment.”
Hawaii Water serves about 4,200 service connections in the communities of Kaanapali, Pukalani, Waikoloa, North Kona Coast, and the Kohala Coast on the islands of Maui and Hawaii. The utility has provided water and wastewater utility service on the islands since 2003. Hawaii Water is a subsidiary of California Water Service Group.