Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release August 1, 2013

MAUI BEACHES IN THE KIHEI-WAILEA AREA
REOPEN TODAY AT NOON
Beach Area Was Closed Due To Shark Incident

KIHEI, MAUI — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) at noon reopened the beaches from Polo Beach Park to the Mana Kai Maui Resort in the Kihei-Wailea area.

After assessments of the beach area this morning, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) staff determined that the beach could reopen at noon.

The stretch of beach was closed yesterday due to a shark incident early in the day. Yesterday DAR and Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) staff joined by the Maui County Ocean Safety Officers, or lifeguards, initiated a beach closure one mile in either direction from the incident and posted shark warning signs. DOCARE officers and Maui County Ocean Safety Officers remained in the area to facilitate and maintain the closure.

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For more information, news media may contact:
Laura Stevens
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0320