Fewer stung as jellyfish leave shores

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

A box jellyfish influx that left hundreds of swimmers on O'ahu's south shores in pain Monday tapered down significantly by yesterday afternoon, a city lifeguard said.

"The jellyfish did come in today, but not as intense as (Monday), and the stings are down considerably," said Capt. Paul Merino of the city's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.

Lifeguards at Ala Moana and Waikiki beaches treated 330 people who were stung Monday, including two who needed further treatment at a hospital for severe allergic reactions, Merino said.

But as of 2:15 p.m. yesterday, lifeguards in the same areas had treated 100 stings, none very serious, he said. Merino also noted that 500 jellyfish washed up on south shores yesterday, compared with 2,700 on Monday.

Joanna Suehisa, 28, of 'Aiea, heard about the jellyfish invasion but decided to spend time at Ala Moana Beach with a friend yesterday anyway.

"We saw people swimming and they weren't screaming, so we didn't worry," Suehisa said with a laugh.

The box jellyfish warning was expected to remain in effect through today on all east-, west- and south-facing shores, Merino said.

Reach Zenaida Serrano Espanol at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser or 535-8174.