FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    March 7, 2006

WASTEWATER SPILL REPORTED AT

HOOMALUHIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

            A City Department of Environmental Services crew responded to a wastewater spill at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe that appeared to have been rain runoff overflowing from a sewer line that was blocked by tree roots.

            A manhole near the park’s second gate was reported overflowing about 7 a.m. A Collection System Maintenance Division crew responded and found the 6-inch line blocked by roots.  An estimated 7,500 gallons spilled before the roots were cleared by 9:35 a.m.

            “What was coming out was very clear water,” said Lori Kahikina-Moniz, assistant chief of the Collection System Maintenance Division. “The sewer line serves Hoomaluhia’s comfort station. There’s only one family camping there, and it’s unlikely they could have generated that much wastewater. It was more likely runoff that infiltrated the line and couldn’t drain away because of the root blockage.”

            Some of the spilled water is believed to have entered nearby Kamooalii Stream. Warning signs have been posted and water samples were taken. The state Department of Health has been notified. The public is advised to avoid affected areas.

-30-

Contact:

     Lori Kahikina-Moniz, assistant chief, Collection System Maintenance Division, 768-7220

     Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767