Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release March 30, 2016

SPERM WHALE CARCASS NEAR NANAKULI SHORELINE,
PUBLIC CAUTIONED TO KEEP OUT OF AREA WATERS, SHARKS SEEN

NANAKULI, O‘AHU  —   Following the arrival on shore this afternoon about 2 p.m. of a 25’ section of decomposed sperm whale at Nanakuli Beach Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is currently looking at extraction options to remove the carcass. The challenge will be getting to the whale. It is now located along a rocky shore that is not easily reached by land. Access by sea is hampered by current high surf conditions which have closed Nanakuli Beach Park. DLNR enforcement officers are observing the ocean currents and wind conditions, anticipating further movement down the beach where it might be reached and brought to shore for removal. Timing and method of removal will be determined by the soonest possible accessible conditions.  Monitoring will continue tomorrow. The public is advised to remain out of the nearshore ocean waters until further notice, as sharks have been sighted.

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Media Contact:

Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320