Ke'ehi stinger a cryptic creature
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
The tiny jellyfish-like creatures that have been stinging people at Ke'ehi Lagoon may be an invader that belongs to a species not previously described in Hawai'i.
Bishop Museum scientist Lu Eldredge said his investigation into water samples delivered last week by the state Department of Health suggest the tiny jellies called hydromedusae are probably the primary stinging organisms, although there may be others as well.
"We've made contact with a specialist in Switzerland who has worked on these in New Zealand and elsewhere, and asked if he can identify them. We'll be sending off samples in the next couple of days," said Eldredge, an invertebrate zoologist.
Canoe paddlers have been complaining since early this year about stinging organisms at the canoe beach that lies at the mauka end of the lagoon. The organisms have left severe welts and sent a few paddlers to hospitals for treatment. O'ahu's two canoe racing associations have had to move their summer regattas normally held at Ke'ehi.
Other lagoon users say being stung at Ke'ehi is nothing new.
"My family, friends and club members have been stung by these creatures for years," said Stephanie Guieb, president of the Na Ali'i Water Ski Club at Slipper Island in Ke'ehi.
Guieb said the problem seems to be worse in summer months. She was stung repeatedly on the hand, arm and neck while in the lagoon about two weeks ago.
"The creature usually gets under your swimsuit and bites multiple times. The itching lasts about a week," she said.
"If there is anything that could be done about these creatures that would be great."
The best thing the government can do may be simply to post warning signs, said Watson Okubo of the Health Department's Clean Water Branch.
"We're still touching bases, but it seems to be more of a safety issue than a health risk. We definitely have to talk to the Department of Land and Natural Resources people to post (warning) signs," Okubo said.
Waikiki Aquarium curator Jerry Crow said the hydromedusae come from a little-studied family of marine creatures called hydroids. In one phase of their existence they live attached to the sea bottom, and in another they float in the water as microscopic jellyfish.
"We have about 26 species in Hawai'i, and many have not been properly described," he said.
Eldredge, Crow and Okubo all said there may be other organisms in the water at Ke'ehi Lagoon that are doing some stinging, too, but in terms of sheer numbers, the hydroids are the most likely candidates for the multiple stings canoe paddlers and others have reported in recent weeks.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.
