Kaua'i seal-protected zone expands

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

PO'IPU, Kaua'i — Po'ipu Beach has won Kaua'i a national reputation as one of the best beaches in America, but another stretch of its alluring blue water and glistening white sand was placed off-limits yesterday because the mother Hawaiian monk seal who gave birth there is expanding her range.

Wildlife officials closed the waters fronting Waiohai Beach, adjacent to the protected bay at Po'ipu Beach Park, which is also closed.

Meteorologist Stephen Leatherman, who issues annual beach surveys under the nickname Dr. Beach, this year named Po'ipu Beach Park America's Best Beach for 2001. Typically crowded with visitors, Po'ipu is popular among sunbathers, swimmers and water-sports enthusiasts alike.

The closures, which extend for about 150 yards, are to protect the seals from human interference, and to protect humans from the maternal vigilance of the mother. The seals are part of a federally listed endangered species.

The mother seal bit a tourist in the water fronting the beach park two weeks ago, and has recently barked and lunged at others who came too close to her pup.

County, state and federal officials announced yesterday that the area closed to swimming has been expanded to include the sand crescent fronting the beach park and the stretch known as Waiohai Beach. The Brennecke Beach shoreline to the east and the Kiahuna and Sheraton beaches to the west of the area remain open for swimming.

The closings should not last more than a few more weeks.