MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – On April 10, 2026, severe weather and heavy rain caused the Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi (MCBH) Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF) to release effluent with enterococci bacteria levels that exceeded permit limits. Enterococcus is a bacterium used as an indicator of waterborne pathogens. The released effluent mixes with treated effluent from the City and County of Honolulu’s Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant before it discharges approximately two miles offshore at a depth of 110 feet into the natural mixing zone of the ocean. The risk of direct public exposure to MCBH exceedance is extremely low. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health recommends the public to stay out of the water for 48-72 hours after rain fall and beaches have received full sunshine. For more updates on water exceedances during severe weather, visit Hawaiʻi Department of Health Advisories.

In coordination with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch, MCBH is continuing daily water sampling to monitor the situation. Increased monitoring will remain in place as MCBH’s effluent quality returns to normal levels.

The WRF at MCBH is actively undergoing extensive upgrades, which will improve resiliency during significant weather events. MCBH remains committed to environmental stewardship and transparency. We will continue to keep the community informed and updated as we continue to monitor and enhance the resilience of our facilities.