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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, December 17, 2008

MAKAHA
Shark, debris, murkiness keep swimmers away

City lifeguards will determine this morning whether warning signs will remain posted at Makaha Beach Park after an 8- to 10-foot shark was spotted just two yards from shore yesterday about 10:10 a.m.

Shark activity continued during the lifeguards' afternoon reassessment of Makaha Beach waters, said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the city Emergency Services Department.

After yesterday morning's sighting, lifeguards posted signs advising surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water.

"They couldn't tell what kind of shark it is since the water is so murky, even though it was just 6 feet from shore," said Cheplic.

Extensive debris, runoff and possible leptospirosis exposure at Makaha Beach also have lifeguards advising people to stay out of the water.

"The water (at Makaha) is so dirty that no surfers were out when the shark was spotted," Cheplic said. "There's still a lot of runoff and debris in the water."