3 Hawaii beaches on 2 islands under high bacteria warnings

LIHUE, Hawaii – The state Department of Health has placed at least three Hawaii beaches under bacteria warnings.

On Kauai Island, Hanalei Bay and the Anahola Beach Park pavilion area are under warnings. While on Oahu Island, Kuhio Beach in Waikiki is under warning.

Officials placed signs along the shorelines in all three areas, advising beachgoers to take precautions.

The Department states levels of enterococci bacteria at Kuhio Beach were four times higher than acceptable. The enterococci (en-tur-oh-CAHKS-ee) bacteria are common in the fecal matter of warm-blooded animals. State officials say they will retest Kuhio Beach on Monday.

Both the Anahola Bay and Hanalei Bay advisories will remain in effect until bacteria numbers dip below the threshold.