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Box jellyfish force closure of Hanauma Bay

STAR-ADVERTISER FILE / Oct. 2017

Hanauma Bay was closed today due to an influx of box jellyfish.

City officials have closed Hanauma Bay for the rest of the day after many people were stung by an influx of box jellyfish.

The visitor’s center at the top of the bay and parking lot are still open but no one is able to go down to the bay itself, officials said this morning.

Ocean Safety reported 1,700 jellyfish in Waikiki and 90 stings in Waikiki today. Ala Moana Beach Park counted five jellyfish and zero stings. Lifeguards posted signs today at those beaches.

Hanauma Bay will be closed Tuesday as usual for maintenance. On Wednesday, officials will assess the box jellyfish situation and make a decision before 8 a.m. on whether to reopen the park, city officials said. The popular snorkeling spot draws visitors from around the world.

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