HONOLULU (KHON2) — Officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are warning beachgoers to stay out of the water at Waimānalo Bay Beach Park after several sharks were seen feeding on a Humpback whale carcass approximately 300 yards offshore on Tuesday, April 13.
Signs have been posted in the area while lifeguards warn people to stay out of the water.
DLNR officials say Honolulu Ocean Safety spotted the carcass around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Lifeguards on jet ski investigated the scene and witnessed at least three sharks in the 12- to 13-foot-long range feeding.
Tissue from the carcass started washing onto the beach during the afternoon of Monday, April 12, according to the DLNR. Dog owners are asked to keep their animals on leashes and away from the material after reports came in of dogs eating some of the tissue.
It is unlawful to remove any body parts or bones from protected marine species like Humpback whales, DLNR officials say.
The Department of Parks and Recreation will close the Beach Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday to limit nighttime access. The area is normally closed at 8:30 p.m.
Officials are deciding how to deal with the carcass, including towing it to sea or letting currents bring it to shore.