Surfer bitten by shark at Waiehu Beach Park

County of Maui Police and Fire officials have confirmed that a 61-year-old local male was bitten by a shark while surfing this morning at Waiehu Beach Park at a surf spot known as "Sand Piles." Police officers, fire personnel and medics were dispatched at 7:05 a.m., with police arriving first and applying two Combat Application Tourniquets to control bleeding. State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers also responded to the scene. First responders confirmed the victim's leg was completely severed just below the knee.

According to Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea, the victim was alert while being treated onshore. The patient was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. The victim's current status is not known.

The gate to Waiehu Beach Park has been closed, and all beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water from Paukūkalo to Waihe'e until further notice. Assistant Chief Giesea indicated that current department protocol calls for warning the public to stay out of the water for a distance of one mile in each direction of the incident. The public warning is maintained through at least noon the following day, but would be extended if further shark activity is observed in the area.

Maui Fire Department personnel have been on scene with rescue watercraft staffed by two Ocean Safety Officers patrolling nearby waters, a Battalion Chief, an Engine company and a drone operator, who is utilizing an MFD drone to monitor offshore waters for any shark activity.

Historically, DLNR would take the lead in responding to shark bite incidents at non-lifeguarded beaches. However, on August 12, 2024, DLNR issued a letter indicating they will only be involved in shark bite incidents when requested by the County. A request for mutual aid has been made for today's incident, and thus far, DLNR has stated that DOCARE officers have provided shark warning signs, assisted with cordoning off the area, and are working with fire personnel to provide ongoing monitoring of the area.

No further details are available at this time.