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 April 16, 2018

‘Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve (NAR) Remains Closed
Due to Continued Presence of Sharks

(KAHULUI, MAUI) – The ‘Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve (NAR) on Maui’s south shore will remain closed at least until Monday, April 23, 2018 due to the continued presence of sharks in the popular snorkeling destination.  The NAR has been closed for two weeks, after numerous tiger sharks were spotted, apparently coming close to shore to follow pupping reef sharks.

The DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources (DAR), Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), collectively agreed to the closure to keep ocean users safe from inadvertent interactions with large and potentially dangerous sharks.

Anyone who drives to ‘Ahihi-Kina’u needs to know that if the parking lot is closed, coastline entrances into the water are also closed. 

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Media Contact:

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131
Honolulu, HI  96813

[email protected]
[email protected]

(808) 587-0407 (Office)
(808) 295-8749 (Cell)

www.dlnr.hawaii.gov