Kapalama Canal is off-limits due to leaking sewage line

The state Department of Health is warning the public to stay out of Kapalama Canal following the discovery of sewage leaking into the canal.

Responding to a complaint, the department’s Clean Water Branch, along with personnel from city Environmental Services and Hawaii Public Housing Authority officials found a broken sewer line, belonging to HPHA, in an underground drainage tunnel that was discharging into a storm drain along Kokea Street, health officials said Friday night. The drain empties into Kapalama Canal.

HPHA has hired a private contractor to repair the line.

The discharge has been “stabilized” and warning signs have been posted, according to the health department.