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.