There have been many letters and articles about the growing bacteria levels in our nearshore waters (“Unsafe water was found last year at 41% of Hawaii beaches,” Star-Advertiser, July 23). This is a clear result of overpopulation and overuse, mauka and makai. It can only come from us, so we should be able to fix it.

As an ocean swimmer here for more than 40 years, I’m more and more concerned. I have had my share of infections.

Typically, anything that threatens tourism gets the attention of the state and city. Prospective visitors will soon get the message that the water they expect to play in might be unsafe, and they are going to look at other options.

Seems like a crisis to me.

Brian Barbata

Kailua

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