UPDATE: Shark Activity Keeps West Hawai’i Beaches Closed

*** Updated at 12:25 p.m. to include new information from Hawai’i County Civil Defense. ***

A 12 p.m. Hawai’i County Civil Defense beach closure update informed that both Hapuna and Waialea Beaches will remained closed for the rest of Thursday. A morning assessment will take place on Friday to determine whether or not the beaches are safe to reopen.

*** Original story posted at 9:04 a.m. *** 

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced Thursday morning that Hapuna and Waialea beaches continue to remain closed following observed shark activity.

On Wednesday just before noon, a 58-year-old Kansas man was attacked by a 10-12 foot Tiger shark. The shark was spotted again in the area just after 1 p.m.

The victim was reportedly snorkeling with family when he was attacked. He suffered severe wounds to his left forearm and an injury to his left thigh.

According to Civil Defense, an assessment will be performed later in the morning to determine whether or not the beaches are safe to be reopened.