Nimitz Beach open after shark attack
Federal lifeguards reopened Nimitz Beach on Monday morning after a shark attack damaged a surfer’s board Sunday.
The incident happened about noon Sunday as a surfer was paddling on a 10-foot board about 50 yards from shore, according to city Ocean Safety personnel.
The shark, of an unreported size and type, bit the rear of the board, missing the man’s foot, an Ocean Safety employee said. The man on the surfboard paddled back to shore unhurt. A second unconfirmed sighting was reported about 2:40 p.m. Sunday.
State and federal officials put up warning signs and closed the beach Sunday.
3 alcohol citations issued at sandbar
State officials issued three citations Monday for alcohol possession in the safety zone at Kaneohe sandbar, where liquor has been banned on holiday weekends because of alcohol-fueled disturbances.
Deborah Ward, spokeswoman for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, said the department obtained its objective of keeping the sandbar a family-oriented place. Only one person was cited for alcohol possession in the sandbar safety zone on Sunday.
About 125 people and 35 vessels were at the sandbar on Labor Day, and officials boarded 20 vessels, looking for violations, she said. At the harbor parking lot, enforcement officers issued 13 citations for illegally parked vehicles or boats with expired ramp decals.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Alcohol use high in pregnant women
KAILUA-KONA » An islandwide study shows almost half of Hawaii County children were exposed to intoxicating substances in the womb.
West Hawaii Today reported more than 2,000 pregnant women were surveyed by the Children’s Research Triangle over the past three years and nearly half admitted to drinking alcohol or other substance abuse while pregnant.
There is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed while pregnant.
Naomi Imai of the Family Health Services Division says alcohol exposure during pregnancy is the leading cause of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects and other disorders.
Sharon Belcher, a registered nurse and Hawaii director for the Children’s Research Triangle, says on average treating a baby born with fetal alcohol syndrome in Hawaii can cost as much as $5 million.