WRRCPR No.94-09 Kailua Bay Bacteriological Water Quality and Circulation Assessment Report (KB-6)

Abstract

The purpose of this assessment is to integrate the results of the bacteriological, water circulation, and community interaction study elements to evaluate the health and aesthetic conditions of Kailua Bay, Oahu. The results show that the water quality conditions in the recreational area near Kailua Beach are primarily influenced by land-derived input and that the Mokapu Ocean Outfall discharge has an insignificant effect in this area. The outfall discharge is transported in a northerly direction and has some effect on the bacteriological conditions in the waters off the Mokapu Peninsula beach area. Recommendations include further studies to define indicator organisms for tropical waters, continued monitoring, a nonpoint source control program for the Kailua Bay drainage basin, and a study to define the source of enteric indicator organisms off the Mokapu Peninsula beach.