The Ala Wai Canal far exceeds the state’s safe standard for bacteria levels associated with skin, nose, air and eye infections, as well as well as painful gastrointestinal illnesses.

The charts below show the levels of enterococci bacteria detected in the canal since 2006. Tests for enterococci suggest whether there’s fecal matter in the water, whether from human or animal sources. The test also indicates whether there are high levels of other pathogens that can make people sick.

The data, provided by the city of Honolulu, shows that enterococci levels far exceed the state’s standard for recreational bodies of water, which is 33 CFU per 100 milliliters. The numbers spike into the tens of thousands, as shown in the charts on the left. The charts on the right have been cropped and show that the levels of enterococci rarely even come close to falling below the safe limit. Results are in CFU per 100 milliliters.

McCully Street Bridge

Kaiolu Street

Waikiki Yacht Club

Date Street Bridge

Check out the full series or watch the video, “Is The Ala Wai An Asset Or A Liability?“