A decade-long water monitoring program found declining ocean water quality around Maui’s coastline, with sediment and nitrate pollution exceeding state standards at most sites. The study covered 40 miles of leeward Maui coastline and provides baseline data on coastal water health.
- Water cloudiness from sediment exceeds state health standards at every monitored site across leeward Maui.
- North Kīhei shows the most dramatic water quality decline since 2021, threatening roughly 1,500 acres of coral reef.
- Cove Park in Kīhei has nitrate pollution levels nearly 100 times the state standard.
- Kapalua Bay water quality improved significantly after sewage infrastructure repairs in 2019.
- Lahaina area waters remain within normal range despite ongoing wildfire recovery efforts.
Source: Maui Now
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