Department of Land and Natural Resources

For Immediate News Release: January 11, 2019

(Honolulu) –  The carcass of a sperm whale, first spotted off-shore from Kewalo Basin yesterday is now “hard-a-ground” adjacent to Sand Island State Recreation Area.  Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), are working with NOAA’s Marine Mammal Response team, and City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety on plans to try and remove the carcass on Saturday.

The recreation area is under the jurisdiction of the DLNR Division of State Parks.  Signs are being put up in the immediate area, indicating it is closed, and all ocean-users are advised to stay out of the water due to the possible presence of sharks.

Today, officials were able to get a strap around the carcass’ jaw and tomorrow plan to attach rigging in an attempt to tow it out to sea.

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Media Contact:

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
(808) 587-0396

[email protected]