Kukio Information Update for April 20th, 2021

One person seriously injured following an apparent shark bite incident in Kukio Bay Tuesday morning (April 20th).

Published by: HIRSC - Hawaii Island (Holualoa and Kamuela) Team

info@hiradioscannercommunity.com

The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) responded to a report of an apparent shark bite incident that occurred in Kukio Bay in Kukio, North Kona Tuesday morning (April 20th).

The initial call came in 8:55 am Tuesday morning and HFD Crews from the South Kohala Fire Station along with Chopper 2, HPD Officers from the Kona Patrol, and DLNR - DAR Officers responded to the scene located at Kukio Beach in North Kona.

Upon the arrival of the emergency crew, reports came that the person (described as a female in her 50s) had jumped out of the 4-man canoe and swimming in Kukio Bay, had suffered a small shark bite (shark size or species not given) to the left knee. The female was then brought back to shore by bystanders who provided basic medical care until emergency crews arrived at the scene. The female was swimming approximately 200 to 300 feet (approximately 100 meters) offshore at the time of the incident.

Once emergency crews arrived at the scene, HFD Medic personnel immediately took over medical care and later transported her to the North Hawaii Community Hospital in serious (stable) condition.

Chopper 2 conducted an aerial survey of the immediate area between Maniniowali Beach (Kua Bay) to Old Kona Village Resort and came up with negative findings. However, beaches in the surrounding area will remain closed through Wednesday morning (April 21st) following the results of an aerial assessment scheduled.

DLNR - DAR Officers continue to investigate the incident.