By Sue Kanoho - Special to The Garden Island
Immediately following the tragic drownings of four people visiting our island last week, I received phone calls from concerned residents and government leaders asking what more could be done to prevent this heartbreaking loss of life.
I feel the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau already does a lot to try [...]

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Current measures to prevent and reduce marine debris are inadequate and the problem will likely worsen, according a new congressionally mandated report from the National Research Council.
“Despite all the regulations and limitations over the last 20 years, there are still large quantities of waste and litter in the oceans,” said Keith Criddle, a professor of [...]

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Attack and flurry of sightings prompt shark warning for isles
A day after a shark attacked a surfer on Oahu, the state is warning people across Hawaii to be cautious when entering the ocean because of an apparent increase in sharks swimming in shallow waters.
The alert came after a shark bit the leg of 40-year-old Todd [...]

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Ke’e Beach is closed this afternoon due to a shark sighting in the area and will remain closed at least until tomorrow morning.
According to Ocean Safety officials, a 6- to 7-foot black tip shark was spotted in the lagoon this afternoon.
Signs are posted in the area warning of the shark sighting and no swimming allowed.
(Source: [...]

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OUR OPINION - Honolulu Star-Bulletin

THE ISSUE: A report shows a marked improvement in water quality at Hawaii’s beaches.

 
Because unusually bad weather caused much of Hawaii’s near-shore ocean pollution in 2006, an improvement in the following year was almost a sure thing. A new report showing a 36 percent decline in beach closings and advisories for the [...]

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Kaua’i Ocean Safety officials have closed Hanalei Bay until further notice after a shark was spotted in the area this morning.
Lifeguards saw an 8-to-10-foot shark and posted signs to alert beach-goers.
Hanalei Bay will be reopened when it is deemed safe for the public to re-enter the water, county officials said.
Those wanting to spend time in [...]

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