Maui residents are warned of sewage spill

Maui residents were warned yesterday to stay out of the water near Wailuku and Napili because of possible contamination from a sewage spill indirectly related to the tsunami.

The spill occurred while power was down at four wastewater pump stations near Wailuku and one in Napili, Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin said.

The county's wastewater division had shut down the pumps to protect them from the tsunami.

Martin said the spill was “;not a significant amount.”;

The Department of Health advised the public to stay out of waters on the North Shore from the Kahului Wastewater Treatment Plant to Waiehu Golf Course and west Maui in the Napili area.

The Health Department said warning signs were being posted and water tests would be conducted.

Kauai passes energy-saving building code

Kauai County officials say an new energy conservation code will pave the way for more newly constructed energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings effective May 26.

The bill was passed by the County Council and signed into law by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. last month.

The provisions in the new Energy Conservation Code include:

» Improved window and roof efficiencies for homes built in warmer climates that lower energy costs during cooling periods.

» High-efficiency light bulbs as a requirement in at least 50 percent of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes.

» Increased efficiencies for air conditioning systems in commercial buildings, thereby reducing energy costs.

For more information about the county's energy code, contact the Building Division at 241-4854.