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 July 31, 2014

DLNR, NOAA, OCEAN SAFETY WARN PUBLIC TO AVOID WINDWARD OAHU WATERS
Pair of false killer whales in distress

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is advising the public of a potential safety hazard tonight and through tomorrow in waters off Kailua beach to Lanikai beach, due to the presence of two adult false killer whales that have been swimming in circles between Flat Island and the shore.

DLNR, NOAA and County Ocean Safety personnel are reminding people not to swim in these waters because the distressed marine mammals, which weigh between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds each, may attract large predators inshore (such as sharks). It is not know if they may beach themselves or go back out to open ocean.

“We urge swimmers, fishers, divers, kayakers, jetskiers, windsurf and other ocean users to stay out of these windward waters through Friday evening, as we continue to closely monitor the whales’ condition,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “We will update the public when there is new information,” he said.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320