The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has issued a wastewater discharge warning for waters near 2527 Kalihi Street in Kalihi Valley on Oʻahu, urging the public to steer clear of nearby streams and facilities while warning signs are posted. The advisory lists popular neighborhood spots and a middle school as affected, meaning pool time and after-school routines could be on hold. Residents who frequent the park, pool or playground are being asked to treat the closure as immediate and to avoid any contact with the water.
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health announced the incident on X on Wednesday, writing, “A #WasteWaterDischarge has been issued at 2527 Kalihi Street,” and advising people to stay out of the affected waters until posted warnings come down, according to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. The advisory names Kalihi Valley District Park, the Kalihi Valley District swimming pool, Kaulani Playground and Sanford B. Dole Middle School as locations influenced by the discharge. Officials have not yet released information on what caused the spill or how much wastewater was involved.
What The Warning Means For Public Health
Contact with untreated wastewater can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and ear or respiratory problems, especially for children and people with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that recreational water illnesses are often caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites that can get into the water through sewage and runoff, with common symptoms including diarrhea, skin rashes and ear or respiratory irritation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How Long The Advisory Could Last
State and local agencies typically keep advisories in place until follow-up water samples show that bacterial indicators have dropped below health-based limits, and they may take additional samples before removing warning signs, per federal guidance. That process can stretch over several days while labs process the tests and officials confirm it is safe to reopen pools or waterways, according to the EPA.
If You Were Exposed Or Saw The Discharge
If you or your children had contact with the affected waters, wash exposed skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and clean freshwater, and watch for symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, fever or skin irritation. If you start to feel sick, contact a healthcare provider. Non-emergency reports of discharges can be made to the Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch at (808) 586-4309 or through the branch’s online contact page, according to the Clean Water Branch…