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Health officials warn about pollution along Maui, Oahu beaches

State health officials are warning about pollution at beaches on Maui and Oahu.

A high bacteria count was detected during routine beach monitoring this morning at Hanakaoo off Honoapiilani Highway on Maui, officials with the Department of Health Clean Water Branch. Officials said potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites may be present in the water.

Swimming at beaches with pollution in the water may make people ill, they said.

In addition, the state Health Department this afternoon issued brown water advisories for Kalama Beach Park in Kailua and Bellows Field Beach Park in Waimanalo due to stormwater runoff entering the ocean.

Also on Oahu, brown water advisories also remain in effect for the shorelines from Oneula Beach Park to Puuloa Beach Park and from Kaneohe Bay to Hauula Beach Park.

The public should stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals and associated flood debris, health officials said, adding that if the water is brown, stay out.

Visit the state’s Clean Water Branch website for updates.

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