Beach to reopen after shark attack
State officials plan to reopen Hapuna Beach State Park on Friday, two days after a man was bitten by a shark in the bay off the Big Island beach.
The 58-year-old victim was identified by a source as Ken Grasing, a physician from Overland Park, Kan.
Grasing was snorkeling with relatives in about 4 feet of water when the shark bit him on his left arm at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, officials said.
He was treated at a Hawaii island hospital for severe lacerations to his forearm and injuries to his left thigh and then flown in stable condition to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.
Deborah Ward, spokeswoman for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, said the victim scared away the 10- to 12-foot tiger shark by punching it.
State officials closed the beach Wednesday and posted shark warning signs.
Although two helicopter flyovers Thursday morning did not reveal any sign of the shark, officials kept the beach closed as a precaution because the shark was seen in the bay again Wednesday afternoon, DLNR said.
Park caretakers are scheduled to open the gates to the beach at 7 a.m. Friday.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Mayor’s draft county budget set to be aired
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will unveil his proposed county budget for fiscal year 2016 at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the mayor’s conference room of the Maui County Building.
"The fiscal year 2016 proposed budget highlights our county’s need for improved infrastructure, key social services and properly maintained public facilities," Arakawa said in a news release Thursday. "We have constructed this budget based on the requests we heard from the public, as well as the departments’ needs to maintain core operations and public services while increasing our efficiency and sustainability."
Arakawa said the five priorities of the budget proposal include an efficient, effective and responsive government; a strong, diversified economy; suitable public infrastructure; a prepared, safe and livable county; and a healthy and sustainable community.
Bridge work to alter traffic in Wailuku
The state Department of Transportation advises Maui motorists of a single westbound lane closure on Waiehu Beach Road at the Iao Stream Bridge between Ukali Street and Kukona Place in Wailuku starting March 27.
The work is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. March 27 and continue through 5 a.m. March 30 for bridge widening and concrete deck pours. Portable traffic lights will be used to help traffic alternate in the eastbound lane.
Westbound motorists are advised to adjust their schedules, expect delays and use alternate routes such as North Market Street.