Honolulu/ Crime & Emergencies
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Published on October 06, 2024
Hā‘ena Beach Park Swimming Advisory Issued After 10-Foot Shark Sighting Near ShoreSource: Wikipedia/The original uploader was MattWright at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visitors to Hā‘ena Beach Park are being advised to avoid swimming following a shark sighting last Saturday. The Ocean Safety Bureau (OSB) received reports of an 8- to 10-foot shark approximately 50 feet from shore, prompting immediate action to ensure public safety.

The OSB responded to this sighting by posting warning signs around Hā‘ena Beach Park and initiating a watch on the coastal waters, the decision taken as a safety measure to protect beachgoers and residents alike, though shark encounters are rare, the presence of such a large predator close to shore is a cause for concern, and thus no swimming is recommended until further notice. Lifeguards on duty will reassess the situation today to determine if the waters are safe once again for the public.

While the sighting alone may not be cause for ongoing alarm, the OSB is taking every precaution to prevent possible shark-human interactions. The officials will continue to monitor the waters and inform the public of any developments. The reassessment scheduled for tomorrow will be critical in deciding when it will be safe to reopen the popular snorkeling and swimming location to visitors.

In the meantime, beachgoers should adhere to the advisories, stay out of the water, and if they have any concerns or require additional information, they are encouraged to speak with county lifeguards or contact the Ocean Safety Bureau directly at 808-241-4984, updates regarding the safety status of Hā‘ena Beach Park will be provided as new information surfaces, and the public is urged to follow these updates closely to stay informed about the condition offshore.