The state will delay a Kuhio Beach sand replenishment project for at least a week because bacteria levels in the sand are above state standards.

The work will use a hydraulic sand dredge and pipeline system to recover submerged sand and move it to the beach from a barge moored about 2,000 feet offshore. The work will take about 30 days.

"In the interest of public safety we are delaying the project pending a new set of test results due next Monday," Peter Young, Department of Land and Natural Resources chairman, said in a prepared statement. "We will make a determination at that time whether or not the project will proceed or if we will be delayed indefinitely."

The state had hoped to start the project before the south swell hits in early summer.

"Because the project is expected to take approximately 30 days, the window of opportunity ... is somewhat narrow. If we delay start-up beyond next week, we will be approaching a season where south swells are traditional, further stalling the project," Young said.

The project uses technology to reclaim beach sand that erosion has washed into near-shore deposits and return it onshore to build up the beach. The project is expected to cost about $500,000.

Kuhio Beach has a long history of beach replenishment, having undergone regular work to maintain a sandy beach since 1939, when the north section of the breakwater was built.