FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               March 31, 2006

Release M-36-06

WEATHER CAUSES FLOODING, CLOSURES,

SEWAGE SPILL

           Heavy rains overnight and today have reportedly caused flooding of some homes in Makiki, closed the Honolulu Zoo and most City golf courses and spilled wastewater at the Waimanalo Treatment Plant.

            The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Oahu.

            Oahu Civil Defense has received reports of flooding at several homes at Keeaumoku Street and Wilder Avenue. Another report of flooding on Ferdinand Avenue is being checked. A tree fell onto University Avenue near Metcalf Street, blocking three lanes of traffic.

            The Department of Enterprise Services closed the Honolulu Zoo about 11:30 a.m. because of flooding on the grounds and walkways. The department also closed all City golf courses except Kahuku.

            The Department of Parks and Recreation has closed Foster Botanical Garden and  the Kaneohe District Parks swimming pool.

            The Department of Environmental Services reports a sewage spill at the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant that began overnight is continuing. Heavy rains over the past several weeks have left the ground so saturated that the plant’s injection wells cannot handle the inflow.  The City operates the state-owned facility. More than 36,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater is believed to have spilled into a gulch that leads out to the sea at Bellows Air Force Station. The state Health Department has been notified and warning signs are being posted at Bellows Beach and the Waimanalo Bay State Recreation Area. The public is advised to avoid contact with the affected waters.

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 527-6928

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767