Approximately 70,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was released into waters near the Kulaimano Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pepeekeo between Sunday evening and Monday morning.

According to the county Wastewater Division, the release was caused by a pump malfunction. The release occurred between 6 p.m. on Sunday and 8:30 a.m. on Monday.

The discharge was finally stopped when personnel diverted the flow to an empty aeration tank.

Signs warning of contaminated water were posted along affected shoreline areas and will remain in place until the waters have been tested and cleared by the state Department of Health. In the meantime, the areas will remain closed to swimming, fishing and boating activities.