Jellyfish still here, but beaches open

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Box jellyfish were still present at Waikiki beaches yesterday but no swimming areas were closed.

The city Ocean Safety Division said 85 people reported being stung in the Waikiki area, where an estimated 700 jellyfish were found.

Mid-afternoon counts for other areas were 20 at Ala Moana, five at Hanauma Bay, 25 at Makaha Beach, and 35 at Poka'i Bay.

Warning signs were posted.

The influx of box jellyfish occurs 10 days after a full moon and lasts for three days. The swimming areas between the Kapahulu groin and Duke Kahanamoku's statue at Kuhio Beach were closed Wednesday because of a large influx of box jellyfish.

Two people required hospital treatment after being stung at about 9 a.m. Wednesday while in that beach area. From 9 to 10:30 a.m., lifeguards reported treating 50 people at Kuhio Beach.

More than 1,000 box jellyfish were found Wednesday morning on Kuhio Beach. Lifeguards usually find 150 to 300 box jellyfish on the first day of an influx.

Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.