HANALEI — About one week after a surfer was attacked by a shark in Hanalei Bay, County of Kaua‘i officials are once again advising people not to swim in the waters following a Monday afternoon sighting of a “large tiger shark” in the same area.
The shark was seen at a popular Hanalei surf spot known as “The Bowl,” the County of Kaua‘i said.
The Bowl, which is located off of Black Pot Beach, is the same place Kevin Kanehe was surfing when a 12- to 15-foot tiger shark bit him in the leg on Oct. 15.
Kanehe, a 50-year-old from Kilauea, was attacked when he sat up on his board after paddling for a wave, according to a GoFundMe page started for Kanehe after the incident.
He reportedly fought off the shark by sticking his fingers in its nostrils, causing the shark to let go before completing its bite.
Kanehe suffered significant injuries to the bone around his knee, femur, kneecap, shin and hand, and his doctor has predicted his recovery may take up to a year, according to the GoFundMe page.
As of Monday afternoon, the campaign had pulled in close to $81,200.
Due to the most recent shark sighting on Monday, warning signs have once again been put up to inform beachgoers of the potential danger.
The safety advisory applies to all beaches in Hanalei Bay, but county officials cannot officially close the beaches.
Ocean Safety Bureau officials are reported to be monitoring the area and lifeguards plan to reassess the waters on Tuesday.
“If there are no other sightings, Hanalei Bay will reopen to ocean activities at noon on Tuesday,” the county said.
After the shark incident with Kanehe, the advisory was in place for about 24 hours before warning signs were taken down.
Officials with the county are asking people to visit hawaiibeachsafety.com or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984 to receive up-to-date information about ocean conditions.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
