Cousins Mark Mizusawa, 13, and Connor Alueta, 4, walked back onto the beach yesterday after a day of being in the water despite box jellyfish warning signs. "I didn't see any jellyfish," said Connor. More than 300 people were stung by jellyfish yesterday in Waikiki.
Box jellyfish sting
more than 300Safety officials say swimmers are
disregarding signs posted in Waikiki
More than 300 people were stung by box jellyfish in Waikiki yesterday, seemingly ignoring warning signs.
"They just go in anyway. We get people that hang their towels on the signs," said Rob Miller, dispatcher of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.
A total of 308 people in Waikiki were stung as of 5:30 p.m. Ocean Safety officials expect the influx of box jellyfish to decrease today and dissipate by tomorrow.
Beaches that are most commonly affected by box jellyfish are Waikiki Beach, Hanauma Bay and Pokai Bay.
In Waikiki yesterday, people reported being stung at beaches from the Sheraton Waikiki to Kaimana Beach.
Twenty-two people were stung at Nanakuli and Maili beaches on the Leeward Coast, and 21 people were stung at Hanauma Bay.
Only two people were stung at Ala Moana Beach. "People seem to heed the signs at Ala Moana Beach," said Miller.
Elena Krishenko, of San Francisco, said: "I've been stung before. It's not a big deal to me."
Raynold Quinores, a lifeguard near the Sheraton Moana Surfrider hotel, said he treated up to 10 people who suffered from box jellyfish stings yesterday. Quinores noted that people usually get stung at beaches surrounded by walls, such as Kuhio Beach, because the jellyfish get trapped in enclosed areas.
Louie Galicia, who took his 8-year-old daughter snorkeling at Kuhio Beach, said he did not see any jellyfish yesterday but remained vigilant.
"I saw the signs," said Galicia, of Montebello, Calif. "We are being careful."
The influx of box jellyfish occurs around the 10th day following a full moon. Lifeguards are supplied with spray bottles filled with vinegar to treat stings.
