KUALOA — The state Department of Health will post signs at Kualoa Regional Park today warning people to stay out of the water because of a high count of fecal bacteria.

Watson Okubo, supervisor for the Health Department's Monitoring and Analysis Section, said the bacteria count from waters tested at the park exceed acceptable levels. The bacteria comes from a leach field in the park where restroom wastewater is disposed, Okubo said.

"We know this is not some kind of storm water runoff or stream discharge," he said. "We know this is human fecal contamination. That's why we will be posting."

The signs will extend 100 yards on either side of the test site, which is in front of the first restroom after entering the park, Okubo said.

The Department of Health monitors the park twice a week, and if over a 30-day period the bacteria levels exceed acceptable levels, the signs are posted, he said, adding that the department will test three or four times a week until the bacteria levels drop.

He blamed the problem on the rain. "Normally when it doesn't rain, it's not a problem," Okubo said. But recent downpours, heavy use at the park over a four-day Thanksgiving weekend and the close proximity of the leach field to the ocean caused the contamination, he said.

The city Department of Parks and Recreation has been notified, Okubo said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.