HONOLULU — City officials closed most of the beach fronting Waikiki after heavy rains triggered a half-million gallon sewage spill near Hawaii’s world-famous tourist district.
Honolulu Director of Environmental Services Lori Kahikina said Monday storm water from the rain flowed into the city’s sewage system. This overwhelmed the sewage system, causing 500,000 gallons of wastewater to spew from manholes.
Kahikina estimated it could be a couple of days before the ocean is clear enough for people to enter.
The city is advising people to avoid a 4-mile stretch of waterfront from Kapahulu Avenue in Waikiki to Point Panic in Kakaako.
The sewage spill came as moisture associated with Tropical Depression Kilo dumped heavy rain on the islands.
Authorities are advising people to stay out of the ocean around the state because of runoff from the rain.