Test Sites
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The Jefferson Elementary School test site is located near the Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Library.
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The Ala Wai Elementary School test site is located near the Ala Wai Community Garden.
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The Ritz-Carlton test site is located between Kalaimoku Street and Launiu Street.
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The Hawaii Convention Center test site is located in back of the Hawaii Convention Center.
Enterococci
Enterococci: Enterococci are bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Their presence in oceans, rivers, or streams signals fecal contamination, which can carry harmful germs like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Enterococci are used to judge if water is safe for swimming. The State of Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) sets the safety limit for recreational waters at no more than 35 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of water (cfu/100 mL), averaged over time using a geometric mean to account for daily changes. The DOH statistical threshold value, used to determine high bacterial levels, is 135 MPN/100 mL.
Enterococcus levels can change quickly because they are influenced by many factors, including rainfall, tides, runoff, sewage spills, and even wildlife. A single test may show a spike or drop, which is why health agencies use a geometric mean (an average over time) to get a more reliable picture of overall water quality.
Jefferson Elementary
Ritz-Carlton
Ala Wai Elementary
Convention Center
Turbidity
Turbidity measures how clear or cloudy the water is. Cloudiness comes from particles like mud, sand, silt, organic matter, or even chemicals that block light from entering the water. When turbidity is high, less sunlight reaches underwater plants, which harms the ecosystem, and suspended particles can also carry harmful germs. Turbidity levels naturally go up and down depending on rain, tides, erosion, and runoff, so readings often fluctuate. For estuaries, the Department of Health standard is 1.5 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) or less to help protect both recreational and environmental health.