Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release April 30, 2015     

MAKENA AREA BEACHES REOPEN
AFTER FATAL SHARK INCIDENT
Conservation Officers & Life Guards Lift Closure

Honolulu – Maui beaches, which had been closed for one mile in each direction from the location of yesterday’s fatal shark incident at Kanahena (Dumps) in the Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui, were reopened as of 12 noon today.

The Maui Police Department has identified the victim as 65-year-old Margaret Cruse of Kihei, Maui. She was reportedly snorkeling 200 yards offshore when she received injuries consistent with a shark bite. Lifesaving efforts on the beach were unsuccessful.

Patrols by Maui lifeguards and DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers (DOCARE) since yesterday morning failed to produce any shark sightings. Beaches and ocean access points are typically closed until noon of the day following a shark incident.

All beaches from Big Beach to the La Perouse Lighthouse are now open. Ocean users are encouraged to exercise caution, stay near other people, and swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards whenever possible. More information on ocean safety and shark incidents in Hawaii is available at: hawaiisharks.org

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Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Office of the Chair
Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 130
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Tel 808-587-0407
Cell 808-295-8749
Fax 808-587-0390
[email protected]