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Jellyfish Keeps Hanauma Bay Closed For 2nd Day

Monthly Invasion Hits South, West Shore Beaches

POSTED: 9:35 am HST February 8, 2010
UPDATED: 10:49 am HST February 8, 2010

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An influx of box jellyfish has prompted officials to keep Hanauma Bay closed for a second straight day on Monday.

Lifeguards found more than 100 jellyfish in less than an hour on the shore of the popular beach, officials said.

"We would like to apologize to the public for the inconvenience but due to the potential risk to public safety the City’s Parks and Recreation Department along with the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division made the decision to close the bay effective at 7:30 a.m.," Emergency Services Department Bryan Cheplic said.

Officials closed the beach on Sunday after more than 40 jellyfish were found in an hour in the morning.

The jellyfish has been found on the shores of other beaches including: Yokohama Bay, Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach Park. Lifeguards posted warning signs at those beaches. More than 400 jellyfish washed up on Yokohama Bay on Sunday, Cheplic said.

Kauai officials also reported jellyfish washing up on south shores including: Poipu, Salt Pond and Kekaha beaches.

Lifeguards will determine on Wednesday morning whether or not to reopen the beach. The bay is closed for maintenance on Tuesdays.


The monthly event happen happens seven to 10 days after a full moon.

Beachgoers are advised to look for posted warnings signs or to check with a lifeguard, especially if they are allergic to jellyfish stings. Anyone who is stung by a jellyfish should flush out the sting with vinegar.

If the sting causes cramping or persistent pain, a person should seek medical attention.

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