FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                October 13, 2005

Release No. ENV-32

TREE ROOTS CAUSE KAILUA SEWAGE SPILL

Workers from the City Department of Environmental Services managed to contain most of the sewage from a spill at the intersection of Kalanianaole Highway and Kapaa Quarry Road this afternoon.

The spill is believed to have been caused by tree roots that blocked an 8-inch sewer main serving the nearby Le Jardin Academy. The spill was detected about 1:30 p.m. by a manager for the Collection System Maintenance Division of the Department of Environmental Services. A response crew was on scene within 15 minutes and the spill was ended by 2 p.m.

An estimated 2,250 gallons of sewage spilled from a manhole. Most of it was contained, but about 750 gallons is believed to have entered the nearby storm drain.

            The area was cleaned and disinfected, and warning signs were posted. Water samples are being taken. The public is advised to heed the signs and avoid affected areas.

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Contact:

Lori Moniz-Kahikina, Assistant CSM Division Chief, 527-6692

Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767