HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A University of Hawaii at Hilo-led study found sewage pollution at shoreline sites stretching from Keaukaha to Honolii.<\/p>\n
Researchers sampled 16 locations monthly from 2020 to 2022, looking for bacteria linked to fecal contamination, nutrients and chemical signatures that could help trace wastewater sources.<\/p>\n
The study detected wastewater at every site, though most pollution indicators were found at low concentrations.<\/p>\n
Researchers said fresh groundwater flowing into the ocean diluted some of the signals, making contamination harder to detect through water testing alone.<\/p>\n
By combining water measurements with nearby cesspool densities, the team identified pollution hotspots from King\u2019s Landing to Honolii Beach Park.<\/p>\n
Depending on the location, wastewater accounted for between 8% and 49% of nitrate found in the water, though groundwater remained the largest source.<\/p>\n
The study also found rivers can carry wastewater to the coast.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe talk a lot about the importance of removing cesspools from near the shoreline, but it\u2019s also important to remove those near our rivers and streams,\u201d UH Hilo marine science professor Steven Colbert said.<\/p>\n
UH Hilo graduate Joseph \u201cCrispin\u201d Nakoa led the research along the coastline where he grew up.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing up in Hilo, these aren\u2019t just study sites, they\u2019re places I\u2019ve spent my whole life fishing, surfing, and spending time with family and friends,\u201d Nakoa said.<\/p>\n
Researchers said the findings could help prioritize cesspool replacements near existing sewer lines and guide upgrades to Hilo\u2019s wastewater treatment system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal with this data is to empower the communities\u2026so that they can seek funding for solutions to improve water quality, to make it safe for everybody in the community to be able to use these waters,\u201d said UH Hilo marine science professor Tracy Wiegner.<\/p>\n
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