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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, June 27, 2002

Seal just wanted to take a snooze

By Will Hoover
Advertiser North Shore Writer

An endangered Hawaiian monk seal spent the day lounging along the shore break at 'Ehukai Beach Park yesterday near Pipeline.

A Hawaiian monk seal napped yesterday on the beach near Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore, as lifeguards kept curious people from disturbing the visitor. Such sightings are becoming more common.

Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser

The animal had apparently come ashore simply to take a nap.

"Basically, they come in every now and then and just hang out," said North Shore lifeguard Lt. Pat Kelly. "They're tired and they just want to get on the beach and lay down."

DLNR conservation officer Michael Ebina responded to a report of the seal at the beach at around 7:30 a.m.

According to DLNR spokesman Mike Markrich, the seal was at the water's edge near the end of Ke Nui Road but was not visible from the road. The seal showed no apparent injuries and was merely resting.

"DLNR officers posted signs on either side of the seal's location warning people not to approach the seal," Markrich said.

The signs explained that monk seals are among the most endangered seal species and that they are sensitive to human disturbance.

Kelly said people who spot the large animals on the beach frequently jump to the conclusion that the creatures are sick or injured, which is usually not the case.

"When they hit the beach they're out like a light and don't want to be disturbed," he said. "It doesn't happen often, but lately it's starting to become more of a regular occurrence."

Kelly said lifeguards monitored the site to make sure no one harassed the seal. If people got too close, they were asked to leave the seal alone, he said.

Kelly said a few people came by to take photos from a distance, which was not a problem.

The seal remained on the beach throughout the day.

Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8038.