Today there was more action around Hilo High School than the normal preparedness of kids returning to school.

A paving project contractor was notified about 12:15 of water exiting a manhole and onto Waianuenue Avenue. Crews from the Hawaii County Wastewater Division arrived at about 1:15 pm and worked to restore flow. Crews released a blockage and restored normal flow around 2:00 pm. Based on the estimated sewer flow at that time, about 6,300 gallons of wastewater overflowed onto Waianuenue avenue. The wastewater traveled down the north side curb and into a storm drain just makai of Laimana Street

The cause has been determined to be a section of the sewer main along Waianuenue Avenue collapsed and partially blocked flows. Wastewater Division crews removed debris from the line and restored normal flow around 2:00 pm. A contractor will excavate around the failed line and replace that section starting August 2, 2022 at 08:00 am. Waianuenue was disinfected with a water and chlorine solution around 3:00 pm. Warning signs were posted along Hilo Bayfront, and Wastewater Division personnel will sample at locations along bayfront for bacteriological analyses.