The O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association will host a regatta at Ke'ehi Lagoon tomorrow for the first time since tiny, stinging jellyfish-like creatures forced the relocation of several canoe regattas last month.

Water samples taken yesterday morning at Ke'ehi Lagoon revealed four different species of stinging creatures, and included small concentrations of the creatures compared to samples taken in mid-June and July 1, according to Watson Okubo of the Health Department's Clean Water Branch.

"It's not like the first time; the numbers are small," Okubo said. "As far as numbers go, it's pretty hard, but I would say a lot less. But, that doesn't mean, if we do another sampling, like two weeks from now, it might be high."

Ke'ehi Lagoon is considered one of the best canoe venues on O'ahu because of its central location, calm water conditions and ample parking and restrooms.

Scientists are trying to identify the stinging jellyfish-like creatures — or hydromedusae — that forced the cancellation of a Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a regatta June 12, and the relocation of two other Hui Wa'a regattas, after dozens of canoe paddlers reported being stung at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

In many instances, paddlers in the water holding canoes before the start of races suffered painful stings. At least one paddler sought treatment at a hospital.

Hannie Anderson, president of the O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, confirmed yesterday that the organization will host a regatta tomorrow at Ke'ehi Lagoon. She said she has received few reports of paddlers getting stung recently.

"It looks pretty positive," Anderson said. "We're going to try it this week. If everything is OK, we'll go back again next week (for the July 24 OHCRA Championships)."

As a precaution, a special pickup boat will ferry canoe holders to and from shore, and canoe holders will be offered protective lotion to apply on their skin, Anderson said.

Okubo said yesterday's water samples were taken from the regatta's starting line, the finish line and near the mouth of a stream that empties into Ke'ehi Lagoon. The highest concentrations were at the stream mouth, a reading that could have been affected by the high tide, or other factors, he said.

Okubo said scientists report their findings to the two canoe organizations, and it's up to the organizations to decide whether they will host regattas at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

"Right now, we tell them what we've found," said Okubo, who is working with Bishop Museum scientist Lu Eldredge and Waikiki Aquarium curator Jerry Crow. "If the concentrations were pretty bad, we would tell the canoe organizations that it is better to stay out."

Hui Wa'a vice president Tambry Young said her organization is scheduled to return to Ke'ehi Lagoon for its Hui Wa'a Championships, July 23.