NR 08-17-26 (Officials advise no swimming, recreational ocean activities due to Brown Water Advisory)

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DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
REIKO MATSUYAMA, MANAGING DIRECTOR

News Release

For Immediate Release: August 17, 2026

Officials advise no swimming, recreational ocean activities due to Brown Water Advisory 

Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising no swimming or other recreational ocean activities due to a statewide Brown Water Advisory.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued a statewide Brown Water Advisory due to runoff from heavy rain and storm activity. The Hawai‘i Department of Health is issuing current advisories.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises beach users to avoid waters that appear brown, cloudy, or murky, particularly after storms or heavy rainfall. This recommendation applies even when a Brown Water Advisory has not been issued. Stormwater runoff can carry sewage, bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants into coastal waters. As a precaution, DOH recommends staying out of affected waters for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain has stopped and allowing conditions to improve.

Ocean Safety Bureau officials remind the public to swim only at lifeguarded beaches, and to stay out of the water anywhere it appears brown or murky.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit safebeachday.com/county/kauai/, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

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