Chemical spill kills hundreds of fish in Aiea

AIEA, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The state is investigating a chemical spill that killed hundreds of fish in Aiea. People started seeing and smelling the dead fish in the drainage ditch near the Pearl Harbor bike path on Tuesday. Environmentalist Carroll Cox was disturbed by what he saw.

"The types of species, there's one bone fish, which is a native species, you have tilapia, then you have guppies, and I did find two crabs that were impacted," said Cox, president of EnviroWatch, Inc.

Hawaii State Department of Health workers counted more than 500 dead fish on Tuesday. Officials said the results from the water samples taken showed a low acid chemical similar to a cleaner or solvent.

"It's right along the bike path. It's a beautiful place and you are hit with this wall of smell, rotting fish or decaying fish, as we'll as some chemical hint in the air," said Cox.

Authorities are investigating a few businesses in nearby Harbor Center, including one that had an accidental spill on Monday.

"The party that is responsible, if it is a spill that contributed to this, they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and in turn be made to pay reparations or restitution," Cox said.

Health officials said the Navy owns the ditch.

The health department posted warning signs on Friday afternoon. Workers will continue to monitor the area this weekend.