Sharks Keep Kekaha Kai State Park Closed

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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. …

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 Kekaha Kai State Park courtesy eliduke.

—Chad Blair

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