A break on a 12-inch sewer pipeline Tuesday evening caused wastewater to leak onto the ground alongside Waikoloa Beach Drive in the Waikoloa Beach Resort.
Hawaii Water Service said crews responded immediately to the area after receiving the report at 7:17 p.m. to contain the break and ensure public safety. In addition to restricting public access, the utility 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 excavated and repaired the pipe, which broke due to tree root intrusion, by 11:15 p.m. About 3,000 gallons leaked above-ground and into a drain that does not connect to the ocean. Wastewater did not enter any waterways, according to the company. The incident was reported to the appropriate government agencies, including the state Department of Health.
“We are committed to operating in a manner that protects the environment, so responding quickly is important to us and enabled us to keep the leak from growing or reaching any waterways,” said Henry (Hana) Giltner, Hawaii Water General Superintendent. “Additionally, due to tree roots in the area impacting the sewer main, we have been replacing sections of this main since last year and will be replacing this section soon.”
Hawaii Water serves about 4,200 service connections on Maui and Hawaii Island.