Hawaii officials reopen Waikiki beach after sewage spill

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii officials on Wednesday reopened world-renowned Waikiki beach after water quality tests showed bacteria levels there declined since a large sewage spill nearby earlier this week.

Keith Kawaoka, the deputy director of the state Department of Health, said his agency had authorized Honolulu to take down warning signs from Waikiki and Ala Moana beaches.

Kawaoka said warning signs will remain at the Ala Wai and Kewalo boat harbors because water quality tests there indicated they were still affected by the spill.

City officials say one of two sewage pumping stations serving the area was out of commission due to a construction project, leaving the sewage system without sufficient capacity to handle the increased water.