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 October 14, 2016   

SHARK WARNING SIGNS POSTED TODAY
AT KIHEI SHORELINE, MAUI

KIHEI, MAUI – Shark warning signs were posted this morning by Maui County Ocean Safety lifeguards and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) staff on the Kihei coastline from Kalama Park to Kamaole Beach Park III.  This was in response to a report received just before 10 a.m. today that a female snorkeler was bitten by a shark while in waters 40 feet from shore and seven feet deep fronting Charlie Young beach.  Ocean conditions were calm, but somewhat murky. The victim, a part-time Maui resident, was transported to a hospital with injuries to her lower left leg.  

Staff from DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Division of Aquatic Resources are on the scene.  They are assisting Maui Ocean Safety, warning ocean users by jet skis, and beachgoers while patrolling the shore.  Following the state’s shark response protocol, warning signs will remain up until noon tomorrow, at which time the situation will be re-assessed.

For general shark information and safety tips go to hawaiisharks.org

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Media Contact:

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