Warning signs have been posted near the Ala Wai Canal after 800 gallons of raw sewage spilled into a storm drain near 2424 Date St. Thursday night.

The Clean Water Branch of the state Health Department said in a news release that paper towels in a drain caused about 1,000 gallons to spill at about 7:45 p.m.

Most of the spill went into the storm drain, which empties into the Ala Wai.

The area was cleaned and disinfected, according to the release.

Water samples were also taken. The public was advised to avoid the area.