Posted on: Thursday, March 28, 2002
Shark victim 'doing well, very positive'
| • | Vacationers helped save teen's life in shark attack |
| • | Thank goodness, instincts of those who come to aid |
By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Islands Editor
Kaua'i teenager Hokuanu Aki continues to make progress in his recovery from a shark attack that resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee.
Aki's kumu hula, Wallis Punua of Rohotu Tahitian Dance Group, said he spoke yesterday with the Koloa boy's father, Harmon Aki, who told him that the 17-year-old had managed to walk down the hallway at The Queen's Medical Center with the help of a walker. Punua said the family was told that Hokuanu might be fitted for a prosthetic device as early as Monday.
"The boy is really doing well. He's very positive," Punua said.
He also said the family is being inundated with requests for media interviews, including one from NBC's "Today Show."
Aki is a dancer with Punua's troupe that performs at the Kaua'i Coconut Beach Resort. The Kaua'i High School senior also is a member of the school's track team and was voted May Day king.
He was bodyboarding in murky water off Brennecke Beach at Po'ipu when he was attacked by a shark Monday. The boy punched the shark in the snout and gouged its eyes, causing the predator to set him free. Aki made it to shore on his own and was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital and later transferred to O'ahu.
The shoreline a mile on either side of Brennecke Beach was closed to swimmers until noon yesterday, but one Fire Department official said it's not a good idea to go in the ocean there while the nearshore waters remain clouded with runoff from recent rains.
"We followed protocol that says if you don't see a shark for 24 hours you can open the beach, but we're really suggesting that because of all the rain and dirty water to stay the hell out of there on the south side," said Battalion Chief Bob Kaden.
"You may not be able to see them, but those sharks are there," he said.
