Posted at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 12, 2003
Beaches reopened after Saturday shark attack
Advertiser Staff
State and county authorities today re-opened two Big Island beaches where a swimmer was bitten Saturday by a 6-foot shark.Kahalu'u and White Sands beach parks in Kona were closed after the 20-year-old man was bitten in waters north of Kahalu'u beach. The swimmer said the shark may have been a tiger or a reef shark, but was not sure.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawai'i County Civil Defense and the Big Island fire department made the decision re-open the beaches this morning after fire officials searched the coastline by helicopter.
"It was all clear, no shark sightings close to shore," said DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward.
Acting Hawai'i County Civil Defense Administrator Wendell Hatada said the public should remember "that sharks are generally in Hawaiian waters and should be respected."
The swimmer suffered multiple cuts and other injuries to his right lower calf down to his heel. He was briefly hospitalized and his injuries were described as not serious.
