Hawaii says it’s safe to surf and swim in Lahaina’s coastal waters after wildfire

By AUDREY McAVOY
Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii authorities say coastal waters off the wildfire-stricken town of Lahaina pose no significant risk to human health and it’s safe to surf and swim there. The state Department of Health announced the decision after reviewing water sampling test results collected by University of Hawaii researchers and other groups. But authorities are continuing to limit access to some coastal areas off the Maui town’s burn zone as the cleanup from the Aug. 8 wildfire continues. Officials have been telling residents and visitors to limit their exposure to waters off Lahaina ever since the deadly fire destroyed the historic town.