Box Jellyfish arrive early in Waikiki

[hellwoman]

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Mar/12/br/br3518427690.html

Box jellyfish arrive early in Waikiki

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer


A box jellyfish washed ashore at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. The beaches in Waikiki, particularly near the Kapahulu groin, typically get more box jellyfish than other areas.


Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser




Warning signs will be posted at beaches with box jellyfish sightings. Dozens were found on Waikiki beaches today.


Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser




The monthly influx of box jellyfish has arrived in Waikiki early this morning, with dozens found on the beaches.
Warning signs will be posted at beaches with box jellyfish sightings.

The beaches in Waikiki, particularly near the Kapahulu groin, typically get more box jellyfish than other areas. The city's Ocean Safety Division cautions all swimmers from entering the water if they are allergic to stings.

Other near-shore waters that may be affected include Hanauma Bay, Pokai Bay, Makaha Surfing Beach and Waimea Bay.

People stung by box jellyfish are advised to flush the sting area with copious amounts of white vinegar. Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, muscle cramps or spasms, and/or persistent pain are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Lifeguard stations are equipped to treat this kind of marine sting.

For more information on ocean conditions, advisories and warnings, the Ocean Safety Division provides a prerecorded report 24 hours a day at 922-3888, ext. *51. Or visit http://oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu.

Reach Catherine E. Toth at 954-0664 or ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com. Read her blog, The Daily Dish, at blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com

[hellwoman]

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Mar/13/br/br0186725349.html

1 stung as Waikiki box jellyfish invasion drops
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

There were 19 box jellyfish found in Waikiki today and one sting reported to lifeguards.
The peak of the monthly influx happened Monday, when 86 box jellyfish were found in Waikiki and 10 stings reported. An additional 12 were found at Ala Moana Beach.

The other near-shore waters often affected by the monthly influx — Hanauma Bay, Poka'i Bay, Makaha Surfing Beach and Waimea Bay — did not report any box jellyfish or stings.

The city's Ocean Safety Division advises swimmers, especially those allergic to the marine sting, to stay out of the water when advisories are issued.

People stung are advised to flush the area with copious amounts of white vinegar. Anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, muscle spasms or cramps, or persistent pain should seek immediate medical help.

For more information about ocean conditions, advisories or warnings, call 922-3888 ext. *51 or visit oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu.

Reach Catherine E. Toth at 954-0664 or ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com. Read her blog, The Daily Dish, at blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com.