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, 2014

DLNR CANCELS PUBLIC SAFETY WARNING FOR WINDWARD OAHU WATERS
Dead melon-headed whale removed from Kailua bay

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) today lifted a public safety hazard warning for waters of Kailua bay, following removal of the carcass of a whale from 300 yards off the boat ramp toward Flat island

“DLNR appreciates the great cooperation with NOAA and Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards to monitor nearshore Kailua waters since yesterday afternoon and this morning as well. Fortunately, no sharks were observed today,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our ocean community to observe this safety warning,” Aila said. “We encourage anyone swimming and conducting any ocean activities to exercise continued caution.”

The whale died this morning. An 8 ft long adult or sub-adult melon-headed whale weighing between 500 to 700 pounds was taken to Hawaii Pacific University to investigate the cause of death..

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