High bacteria advisory lifted for Kolekole Gulch on Hāmākua Coast

State health officials canceled a high bacteria advisory for Kolekole Gulch in East Hawai‘i on Jan. 14, 2026, after follow-up water tests showed enterococci levels no longer exceeded the state safety threshold. The gulch sits about 12.5 miles north of Hilo on the Hāmākua Coast and had been under an advisory since Dec. 24, 2025.

Routine beach monitoring by the Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Water Branch first detected elevated enterococci counts of 697 per 100 milliliters on Dec. 24, well above the acceptable threshold of 130 per 100 milliliters. The department posted the advisory for the beach area of the gulch and conducted follow-up sampling while the advisory remained in effect.

The cancellation notice issued Jan. 14 states that subsequent testing returned results below the threshold and the advisory has been lifted. The Clean Water Branch posts advisories when monitoring indicates potentially harmful microorganisms may be present, and officials remind the public that swimming in polluted water can cause illness.

For Big Island residents and visitors, the advisory period meant restricted or discouraged swimming, wading and other direct-contact activities at the affected beach while tests were pending. The Hāmākua Coast draws locals for shoreline access and recreation, and advisories like this can affect weekend plans, family outings and catch-and-release fishing nearshore activities.

The Clean Water Branch maintains the monitoring program to protect public health by testing recreational waters at regular intervals and after events that raise concern. Enterococci are used as indicator bacteria in marine and fresh waters; levels above the established threshold suggest an increased risk of pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal or skin illnesses. The department did not link the high reading to a specific source in the cancellation notice, and follow-up testing was used to confirm whether elevated levels persisted.

Residents should continue to check the Clean Water Branch website for the latest beach advisories and results before heading to Kolekole Gulch or other local swimming spots. Those who regularly use Hāmākua Coast beaches may want to give recently affected sites extra time to clear and to heed posted advisories until monitoring shows consistently safe conditions.

The lifted advisory is a reminder that water quality can change quickly and that routine monitoring plays a key role in keeping communities safe. Expect continued sampling at monitored sites and look for updates from the Department of Health if conditions change.