Honolulu Advertiser
April 20, 2006

Nonprofit tests for sand contamination
By Eloise Aguiar eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com

WAIKIKI- Concerned about the cleanliness of Oahu’s beach sand, a nonprofit environmental group has begun collecting samples to test for bacteria levels in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, at Kailua Beach Park and other locations.

However, state health officials say testing is unnecessary because the beach sand is as clean now as before 48 million gallons of raw sewage were pumped into Ala Wai Canal last month after a force main ruptured.

The sewage helped bacteria flourish, which prompted the city to close swimming areas from Kewalo Basin to the Moana hotel. The city has been testing the water and the bacteria counts have declined to acceptable levels at most locations. In Waikiki, signs remain at Ala Wai Canal, Ala Wai Boat Harbor and Ala Wai Channel.

Residents and visitors have a heightened concern about the water and sand quality, said Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo, former state representative and co-founder of Healthy Hawaii Coalition, which is doing the sampling. Results from the test should be available tomorrow.

“If you’re having contaminated water washing over the sand, shouldn’t there be a concern about contaminated sand?” Tamayo said yesterday, adding that the issue has drawn national concern. “I’m hoping we can address this urgent need locally now.”

The state Department of Health yesterday said the beaches are safe. “The evidence to date tells us that the Waikiki beaches are as safe as they were before the sewage spill in the Ala Wai,” said Dr. Chiyome Fukino, DOH director. “The bacteria levels in the water are at normal levels.”

The department doesn’t test the sand because there are no standards to judge whether the bacteria levels are high or low, Fukino said. Conclusive studies to determine standards haven’t been done because there has been no indication of increased levels of infection due to sand exposure, she said.

Bacteria does exist in sand as it does on many commonly used and consumed items such as lettuce, computer keyboards and public telephones, but with proper hygiene and healthcare, people don’t succumb and get sick, she said. Creating public panic over the situation causes undue alarm, she said.

“We are in an environment filled with bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses,” she said. “For the most part, our bodies are able to defend themselves against these invaders but once in a while…if your body can’t fight it off, then you need to see a physician.”

Tamayo acknowledged that there are no EPA standards for sand contamination, but said a recent plan to dredge sand from the ocean floor and add it to Kuhio Beach was delayed because it contained too much bacteria.

“Someone came to the conclusion with that case, to put off the transfer because of high bacteria levels,” she said. “They should be able to come to a conclusion from those results as well.”

Meanwhile, the wife of a local resident who said his foot infection came from walking on the sand of a Waikiki beach wants the city to test the sand to make sure it’s safe. “Is it really safe for all the people, especially in Waikiki and Kailua where there are lots of people going to the beach?” said Chrastne Koenig, of Waikiki. Her husband, George Koenig, 65, is treating the swollen foot with medication, she said.

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