UH Hilo researchers will be conducting tests near Kahalu‘u Beach Park from August 9-12.

During the testing,  a light green, non-toxic water tracing dye along the coastline may be visible as a small amount of fluorescein, will be added to the sewage disposal systems of nearby by residences. By observing whether the dye travels to the shoreline and how long it takes, researchers can learn more about the impacts onsite sewage disposal systems may have on water quality and marine life.

The research is a part of larger project funded by the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, UH Mānoa and UH Hilo.