GARY T. KUBOTA / GKUBOTA@STARBULLETIN.COM Yesterday was the first day shark warning signs like this one were permanently posted by the state at Olowalu beach in West Maui.

Shark signs posted
at Maui beach

Some snorkelers say that
they did not notice the signs
before going into the water

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By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

OLOWALU, Maui >> The first permanent shark warning signs in the state were posted yesterday in Olowalu in West Maui and appeared to keep most people away from swimming in its coastal waters.

The popular snorkeling area attracted only about a dozen people in the late afternoon on a sunny day that usually attracts scores of visitors.

Eight signs were posted along Honoapiilani Highway, and one at Olowalu landing.

The signs, 12 by 18 inches, read: "Warning. Sharks may be present. Shark bites have occurred in this area."

The decision to post the signs was made May 9 after state officials held a briefing for the state Land Board about shark attacks.

Two visitors have been bitten by a shark in separate incidents in the last two years, and a resident was killed by a shark about 11 years ago.

Land Board Chairman Gil Coloma-Agaran said the chances of being bitten by a shark are extremely rare, but the area has a reputation.

Some of the snorkelers yesterday said they had not seen the shark warning signs before entering the water.

German visitors Gerhard Welper and wife Gertrud said they would not have entered the ocean if they had seen the sign.

Japanese visitors Tatau Sumikawa said he and wife Momoka have snorkeled in waters off Olowalu seven times in the last 10 years while visiting Maui and thought nothing of entering the water.

Momoka Sumikawa, who was wading with her 5-year-old daughter, Nanamu, said she also had not seen the sign.

"I think the sign should be bigger," she said.

She pointed out that while the signs have gone up, publications are still promoting the area as ideal for snorkeling, without any mention of the shark attacks.

California resident William French said he and his wife, daughter and nephew saw the sign but decided to enjoy the ocean near shore. They were within 20 feet of shore and within a fringing reef.

"We figured if we stay in close, it's OK," he said.

Michael Costa, another visitor from California, said his family has swum in the Santa Cruz area where there have been occasional shark attacks and did not think much of the shark warning sign.

"I figured the chances are about the same here as there," he said.

Andrea Comstock, owner of the nearby Olowalu Store, said she had not noticed any decrease in business, and the majority of her customers are residents. "For us, I don't think it will really affect the store," she said.