The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is advising the public to use caution in waters of Holualoa Bay on the Kona coast following the death of a young humpback whale yesterday and subsequent feeding by sharks.

"We are working with county officials and are prepared to post warning signs should the need arise," DLNR chairman Peter Young said. "We will continue to monitor the area for presence of sharks through tomorrow."

County lifeguards posted signs at Kahalu'u and Magic Sands beaches. A county fire department helicopter is scheduled to fly over the area this morning.

The vessel Kona Blue towed the whale carcass out to sea yesterday afternoon. However, the whale and sharks had come within 125 yards of the shoreline and there was some indication that small pieces of the whale carcass remained in the water.