Mysterious pink hue graces Hawaiian pond, sparks concerns

MAUI: A captivating mystery unfolds in Hawaii as a pond takes on a dazzling pink hue, prompting both fascination and worry among experts.

According to international media, the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge on Maui has become a focal point for inquisitive observers, drawn to the strange sight that initially surfaced on social media.

Meanwhile, dedicated volunteers, boasting up to seven decades of familiarity with the pond, express confusion, stating that such a sight is entirely unprecedented.

Bret Wolfe, the refuge manager, recounts receiving an alert from a beachgoer who conveyed a sense of something peculiar unfolding at the pond.

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Although the vibrant pink may evoke a sense of amusement, officials underscore potential concerns regarding the underlying cause of this striking transformation. The island of Maui grapples with a drought, a circumstance scientists believe might be intricately linked to the pond’s unusual appearance.

Initially considering toxic algae as the prime suspect, laboratory tests have since dispelled the speculation. Instead, attention has shifted to a potential culprit: halobacteria.

The single-celled organism, belonging to the archaea domain, thrives in bodies of water with elevated salt levels. The Kealia Pond outlet area, where the phenomenon occurs, currently exhibits salinity levels twice that of seawater.

Despite the Hawaii pond having weathered previous periods of drought and heightened salinity, the sudden change in colour remains a perplexing mystery.

Bret Wolfe notes the need for DNA analysis to definitively ascertain the source of this captivating transformation, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

The reports indicate that the authorities issued a cautious advisory to visitors, urging them to refrain from entering the water or consuming fish caught in the pond while investigations into the cause unfold.

The allure of the pink spectacle is accompanied by a quest for answers, ensuring the safety of both the pond and those captivated by its newfound, enigmatic charm.