HomeMy WebLinkAboutMonk Seal Born at Keōkea Beach Park
Clayton S. Honma
William P. Kenoi
Director
Mayor
Robert A. Fitzgerald
Deputy Director
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
(808) 961-8311 Fax (808) 961-8411
NEWS RELEASE
November 13, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Birth of Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal Prompts Early
Closure of Keōkea Beach Park
North Kohala’s Keōkea Beach Park is being closed at 7:30 p.m. nightly to protect an
endangered Hawaiian monk seal and its mother.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, asked the
Department of Parks and Recreation to implement the early closure after the new pup
was born at the park.
Both NOAA and the Department of Parks and Recreation ask the public to keep their
distance from the Hawaiian monk seals, which are protected under both federal and
state laws. Anyone who intentionally harasses, harms or kills a Hawaiian monk seal
could be fined up to $50,000 and ordered to serve a five-year prison sentence.
New permits for use of Keōkea Beach Park’s pavilions will list a 7 p.m. closing time to
give patrons enough time to vacate. The park will continue to be closed at 7:30 p.m.
until further notice.
The Department of Parks and Recreation apologizes for any inconvenience the
shortened hours may cause and thanks park users and the general public for
understanding the need to protect one of Hawaii’s most unique and loved animals.
For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer,
at 345-9105, or jarmstrong@co.hawaii.hi.us.
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County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
Photo of the Hawaiian Monk Seal and Pup.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.