Updated at 5:10 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2007
18 jellyfish stings this morning close Hanauma Bay
Advertiser Staff
City officials are closing Hanauma Bay Beach Park for the day because of a high number of box jellyfish stings.Eighteen stings were reported at the popular snorkeling area this morning, officials said.
Yesterday, hundreds of the stinging sea creatures were removed from the Waikiki Beach area.
Still, today's "influx seems to be much milder than yesterday with only six jellyfish being picked up at Hanauma Bay and the same number along Waikiki Beach," said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the city Emergency Services Department.
"Unfortunately, an unusually high number of stings has been reported at Hanauma Bay," Cheplic said.
The situation will be assessed tomorrow morning and a decision will be made whether to keep the bay closed.
For information on ocean-related conditions, advisories and warnings including box jellyfish updates, call 922-3888, ext. 51.
