VIDEO: Shark Sighting at Makena on Maui Forces Beach Closure

File photo by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXH4cVNWnn0 /] By Wendy Osher

(Update: 4:46 p.m.) State officials say no further sightings were reported, and affected beaches were reopened at 2:30 p.m.  Beaches from Maluaka to Ahihi-Kina’u were closed from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. following the sighting of a 10-12 foot shark in nearshore waters.

(Update: 4:18 p.m. 2/14/12) Beaches were reopened this afternoon following a shark sighting earlier today at Makena State Park.  When our crews visited the area at around 3 p.m., there were no signs of the 10-12 foot shark or signs posted.  A few beach goers were seen frolicking in nearshore waters by the shore break.

(Posted: 2/14/12) The beach at Makena State Park was closed today after a 10-12 foot shark was sighted at around 11 a.m.

The shark was spotted about 10 to 15 yards from shore by a lifeguard who was entering the water at the time.

Signs have been posted and enforcement officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources joined county lifeguards in notifying beach goers of the sighting.

The beach was closed a mile in either direction,  from Maluaka beach to the northern boundary of Ahihi-Kina’u Natural Area Reserve.

Two lifeguards are monitoring nearshore waters on jetskis.

Lifeguards and DOCARE will re-assess the situation at 2:30  p.m. to determine whether or not to re-open the beach.

Makena State Park, Big Beach lifeguard station 2/14/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Makena State Park, Big Beach 2/14/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Makena State Park, Big Beach 2/14/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Makena State Park, Big Beach lifeguard station 2/14/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.