A monument warning visitors about drownings near the China Walls cliff area in Portlock has been removed because of vandalism, said Ocean Safety Capt. Kevin Allen.

Vandals spray-painted and removed letters from the 5-foot-tall obelisk, which was installed in 2005.

Allen said he removed the monument, which is now stored in the district's substation, and hopes to replace the letters soon.

The obelisk was emblazoned with the word "danger" in English and Japanese.

It also displayed symbols used by lifeguards to indicate that people have been swept off the coastal ledge by huge waves.