Posted at 9:45 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Hanauma Bay reopened after men-of-war invasion

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hanauma Bay re-opened today after lifeguards found none of the stinging Portuguese man-of-war that had forced the popular tourist attraction to close on Monday.

Hanauma Bay re-opened at 6 a.m. today and people flocked to the beach, said Lt. John Moniz of the city's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services.

"People are there right now," Moniz said. "They're swimming right now."

Safety officials closed Hanauma Bay on Monday after men-of-war and a few potent-stinging box jellyfish turned up. The beach was closed yesterday for routine maintenance.

On Monday, people were allowed access to the viewing deck and to rim hiking trails but not to the beach.

Other beaches, such as Ala Moana, Waikiki, Sandy and Makapu'u, were unaffected by the stinging creatures.