Update: Brown water advisory canceled for Hanalei Bay

Update at 4:01 p.m. Feb. 7: A brown water advisory issued Jan. 27 for Hanalei Bay on Kaua‘i was canceled.

The advisory was issued by Hawai‘i Department of Health officials following heavy rainfall triggered by an upper level trough that especially threatened windward areas of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau and other parts of the state with flash flooding, rapid runoff and overflowing streams.

That system was followed later during the week by a major winter storm that brought severe weather, strong winds and more heavy rainfall.

Coastal waters can contain higher than normal pollutant levels after storms or heavy rainfall events.

Update at 11:50 a.m. Jan. 27: Hawai‘i Department of Health officials have issued a brown water advisory at Hanalei Bay on Kaua‘i.

Beach users are advised to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain because the water could contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

The department recommends staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the rain ends and after the beach has received full sunshine.

Beachgoers should avoid swimming, wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.

If the water is brown, turn around.

Click here for more information about the advisory.

Original post from 11:16 a.m. Jan. 27: Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau advises no swimming at Hanalei Bay because of brown water runoff.

Beachgoers are strongly urged to avoid the water.

Updates will be provided when ocean safety officials give the all clear for ocean recreational activity at Hanalei Bay.

The National Weather Service forecast Jan. 26 an upper level trough triggering heavy showers and thunderstorms, bringing a threat for flash flooding, rapid runoff and overflowing streams, especially over windward areas of Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau and other parts of the state.

A flood watch was issued for both islands, with the threat expected to decrease through today.

For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a Kaua‘i County lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit the Safe Beach Day website or call Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.