LIHUE, Kauai >> Beaches and other areas on Kauai that smell like sewage may be showing signs of contamination, according to Hawaii health officials.
The Hawaii Department of Health hasn’t received any indications of disease outbreaks following the recent flooding, but people have reported rashes and irritated skin after spending time in the sand at Hanalei Bay on the island’s northern shore, The Garden Island reported.
“If an area smells like it is contaminated by sewage or other foul-smelling materials, it can be assumed to be contaminated,” said Anna Koethe, a department spokeswoman.
DOH advises people to consider putting a towel or blanket down if they plan to spend time on the area’s beaches. They should also wash off after contact.
“While DOH does not test sand quality, it does actively monitor the quality of coastal waters,” Koethe said. “DOH recommendations to stay out of flood and storm waters also apply to areas that have been in contact with those potentially contaminated waters.”
The department issued a brown water advisory for Hanalei Bay Friday following additional rainfall Thursday. Multiple dirty water advisories have remained in effect since the flooding.
A medical team deployed to Haena last week has treated more than 200 residents for skin and wound infections, abrasions and other injuries common to flooding events, officials said.
High-surf warning in effect
A high surf warning remains in effect for the north and west shores of Kauai and Niihau, with waves of 20 to 25 feet expected.
The warning is set to expire at 6 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said.
A less-serious high surf advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday for the north and west shores of Oahu and Molokai and the north shore of Maui. Surf will be 12 to 18 feet through tonight, the weather service said.
