HONOLULU (KHON2) — Starting August 9, researchers from the University of Hawaii at Hilo will be testing water quality near Kahaluu Beach Park.
The testing is scheduled to run through August 12 and may involve a light green, non-toxic dye along the coastline.
Maurice Messina, Director of the County of Hawaii Department of Parks & Recreation, reassured the public about the project.
“Together with our community partners, the Department of Parks & Recreation is committed to protecting and restoring beautiful Kahaluu Bay, and this research supports that effort,” said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & Recreation. “We want the public to be aware this testing is taking place and know it is being done safely, using methods approved by both the Hawaii State Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”
The study is part of a larger initiative funded by the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Hawaii Manoa and Hilo.
Researchers will use a small amount of fluorescein dye to track how it moves from local sewage systems to the shoreline.
This will help them understand how onsite sewage systems impact water quality and marine ecosystems.