The Hawaii Department of Health has issued brown water advisories on the islands of Oahu and Maui.
On Oahu, heavy wave action has caused sediment and potentially harmful pollutants to enter Haleiwa’s coastal waters from Kaiaka Bay to Puaena Point, also affecting the waters off Haleiwa Alii Beach and Haleiwa Beach Park.
On Maui, stormwater runoff has entered coastal waters from Kapalua to Hanako‘o Beach Park because of heavy rain along the island’s west side.
HDOH advises the public to stay out of the water because of pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals and debris possibly in the water. In addition, Maui contaminants could come from overflowing cesspools, the sewer system and manholes.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.