HomeMy WebLinkAboutNormal Closing Time for Keōkea Beach Park Following Departure of Endangered Monk Seal (February 4, 2014)
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
February 4, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Normal Closing Time for Keōkea Beach Park Following
Departure of Endangered Monk Seal
Two endangered Hawaiian monk seals have left Keōkea Beach Park, prompting the
Department of Parks and Recreation to return to keeping the North Kohala park open
until 11 p.m. each night.
A seal pup was born at the park in November, according to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, which requested the park be closed at 7:30
p.m. to protect the newborn and its mother.
NOAA has informed the Department of Parks and Recreation that the pup left the
park’s shoreline last week and has not been sighted since, eliminating the need for
the early closure time.
Hawaiian monk seals 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.
The Department of Parks and Recreation 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.