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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:20 a.m., Thursday, September 6, 2001

Waikiki Beach reopens after no new shark sightings

Video: Sharks spotted off Waikiki; swimmer in area waters. Video courtesy of Chopper 8 (QuickTime or Real formats; QuickTime or Real plug-ins required)

By Brandon Masuoka and Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Officials reopened a stretch of Waikiki Beach today after police and firefighters reported no additional shark sightings.

Yesterday afternoon, officials warned swimmers to get out of the water after three sharks were seen less than 100 yards offshore.

Beachgoers watch from shore as the Fire Department helicopter hovered over waters fronting Kuhio Beach following yesterday's shark sighting.

Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Police received a call at about 5:45 p.m. from a Hyatt Regency Hotel employee who saw the sharks just off Kuhio Beach. Police confirmed the sighting, and swimmers from the Moana Hotel to the Kapahulu groin were asked to leave the water, said police Sgt. Richard Robinson.

Hundreds of tourists lined the beach as a fire department helicopter tracked a 7-foot shark about 75 yards off shore. Two smaller sharks, possibly black-tip reef sharks, swam away soon after the beach was closed, said fire battalion chief Adam Enos.

Glynis Caldwell and her husband, Stacey, honeymooners from Dallas, went for a swim Tuesday. But Caldwell said she will not be returning to the water.

"I can enjoy the sand, that's about it. As far as going out, I won't be doing any of that," she said.

The beach was expected to remain closed through the night.