Sharks Keep Kekaha Kai State Park Closed

By /

From a press release Wednesday (June 19):

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will keep Kekaha Kai State Park closed today because of the continued presence of sharks in the area. A Hawaii Fire Department helicopter flyover this morning over the coast sighted eight reef sharks measuring about 5 to 6 feet long in the north section of Mahaiula Bay. 

Following the state shark sighting protocol, another flyover will take place tomorrow at about 8 a.m., and, if no sharks are sighted, the park will reopen. 

Yesterday, the park was closed after a 28-year old male was bit on the leg while swimming at the Mahaiula Bay section.   

The park is located 2.6 miles north of Keahole airport in Kailua-Kona. 

The Hawaii County Fire Department responded and transported him via medevac helicopter to North Kona Community Hospital for treatment. 

The helicopter overflight also revealed what appeared to be a large tiger shark in the vicinity of the location where the victim was attacked. …

image

 Kekaha Kai State Park courtesy eliduke.

—Chad Blair

Help power essential news and information

As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of need. Your support ensures that we can pivot when emergencies arise and get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.

Support timely and accurate breaking news stories as well as impactful coverage across the state. Donate today.

Give now

About the Author