2nd Maui shark bite incident in three days

News Release

Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources)

20. October 2014

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2nd SHARK INTERACTION IN BROWN WATER
– MAUI’S KAHULUI HARBOR CLOSED

For the second time in as many days, a shark interaction on Maui, prompted a reminder from the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for all ocean users to stay out of murky water statewide.This morning DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers responded to a report of a shark interaction in Kahului Harbor.

A 58 year old man reports he was on a stand up paddle board when he felt a hard bump on the back of his board, knocking him into the water. After he surfaced he observed a dorsal fin about six feet away. He was not able to identify the species of shark and it quickly disappeared. He estimates the fin was 12 inches tall. A witness, also on a paddle board, also saw the fin. An inspection of the board indicated bite marks.

On Saturday, a surfer, in murky water in Maalaea Harbor on Maui shoved his surf board into a sharks mouth to fend it off. In both cases the waters were brown from storm runoff.

Shark Attack Protocols have been initiated and DOCARE and the Department of Transportation-Harbors Division have closed the Kahului Harbor waters as well as waters in one mile in each direction of the harbor. These waters will remain closed until at least Tuesday, when an assessment will be made to re-open.

Again, please follow the strong warnings not to enter the ocean for any reason when the water is brown or murky.

Source: DLNR