The County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management reports a release of an estimated 1,055 gallons of partially treated wastewater at the Kula‘imano Wastewater Treatment Plant in Pepe‘ekeo on Monday, February 21, 2022, as a result of an interruption of the sodium hypochlorite disinfection system.

The cause of the discharge was determined to be the dislodging of an electrical relay that controlled the disinfection system, rendering the system non-operational for approximately 18 minutes.

Wastewater Division personnel received an alarm at about 2:07 p.m. and arrived at the plant at about 2:09 p.m. After determining the disinfection system was not functioning, they dispensed chlorine tablets into the effluent channel at about 2:24 p.m. They secured a loose electrical relay, which restored power and normal operation at about 2:25 p.m. The plant resumed normal operations at that time.

Warning signs have been posted at entry points to the shoreline and will remain until the State Department of Health authorizes their removal.