The Hawaii State Department of Health announced on Apr. 2 that environmental monitoring has confirmed the presence of expected pathogens in flood-carried mud, sediment, and nearshore waters following the recent Kona Low storms. Officials said these findings support the need for continued precautions as recovery efforts proceed.
The announcement is significant because it highlights ongoing risks to public health after major flooding events and emphasizes measures residents can take to reduce exposure. The department collected samples from impacted areas, detecting Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterococcus, and Salmonella bacteria in some mud and sediment samples. Testing for other potential pathogens is still pending.
Governor Josh Green said, “These findings confirm what we expect after major flooding and they also show that with simple precautions, people can safely continue cleanup and recovery efforts. Our priority is protecting the health of our communities. We want residents to know that by wearing protective gear, washing up after exposure and staying informed, they can significantly reduce their risk. We will continue to share timely updates and guidance as we support our communities through recovery.”
The Department of Health noted that testing mud and sediment for these indicators is not routinely done due to varying levels based on environmental conditions; there are no established baseline levels for comparison. Officials said current guidance remains effective: using personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning exposed skin, washing hands after contact with mud or water, promptly removing contaminated materials from homes, drying items in sunlight when possible, and discarding porous materials that cannot be fully cleaned or dried.
In addition to land-based monitoring, water quality sampling at 22 North Shore beach sites found elevated bacterial indicators at four locations: Puaʻena Point, Haleʻiwa Beach Park, Mokulēʻia at Kiapoko Pt. 2, and Kawaihāpai 1. Advisory signs have been posted at these beaches while brown water advisories remain in effect for Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi.
The Hawaii State Department of Health operates as a public health agency focused on delivering comprehensive services across the state according to its official website. It contributes to community well-being by promoting vaccination education through its Disease Outbreak Control Division according to the official website, safeguards environmental conditions through disease prevention programs per the official website, extends services via offices statewide as outlined on its website, provides preparedness planning through its Office of Public Health Preparedness as detailed online, and is headed by a director supported by deputy directors managing key programs as noted on its website.
Environmental monitoring results will continue to be updated online as recovery progresses.
