Brown Water Advisories Issued in Hawaii Following Kona Depression

Hawaii state health officials are warning residents and visitors about multiple brown water advisories across the islands, a reaction to the recent impacts of the Kona Depression.

The storm, which swept through early last week, brought significant rainfall along with runoff that has left coastal waters polluted in various areas, as reported by the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch.

In fact, the advisory was issued with a view towards the ongoing effects of an already wet March.

This marks the third instance of a Kona low within the last month, and warnings are still active for several islands, notably Kauai, as well as parts of Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island.

As Hawaii welcomes a wave of spring travelers, when beaches become especially popular, health officials are stressing the dangers posed by murky waters. Brown water can be risky for anyone looking to swim or surf.

Authorities are advising that if the water looks brown, it’s best to stay away. Runoff after heavy rains often carries harmful substances like sewage, pesticides, and animal waste into the ocean, elevating the risk of bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

As they say, “If the water is brown, turn it around.”

The turbulent weather can bring debris into coastal areas, creating further hazards, and murky water can attract marine life, even sharks.

Health officials recommend that people stay out of the ocean for at least 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ceases. However, this timeline might change due to ongoing unstable weather and continued ground saturation.

Health authorities are concerned that unsafe conditions may persist due to the recent heavy rains affecting coastal waters.

It’s suggested to refrain from entering the ocean even if the advisory has been lifted, especially if the water still appears discolored.

As waters begin to improve, advisories will be revoked for each beach. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated through local resources.

The advisory comes amid Hawaii’s recovery from severe flooding that was caused by a series of Kona lows in recent weeks. This weather pattern led to evacuations across Oahu as floodwaters rose dramatically.

Some travelers have expressed frustration on social media over the advisory. One individual noted on Reddit, “We are staying in Kehei and are a little disappointed. I hope the storm passes quickly.”

Others reached out to locals for advice on whether it was safe to enter the waters. Many local residents strongly advised against it, emphasizing that the situation can be deceptive, and dangers could still be present even when conditions seem calm.

As another local stated, “I’m from here, and I definitely don’t want to go in the water,” while another cautioned, “Never swim in rainwater.”