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KAHULUI — Maui ocean safety officials have closed the beach and waters off Kaa Point because of a decomposing baby whale that’s attracting sharks.
Tuesday’s closure is 1 mile in either direction of Kaa Point, which is also known as Kite Beach near Kanaha Beach Park in Kahului.
The Maui Fire Department says a 10-foot-long tiger shark was seen feeding on the carcass Tuesday morning. In the afternoon, several large sharks were seen in the area.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources towed the whale carcass far offshore to be disposed of.
Ocean safety officials will reevaluate the area by air Wednesday morning.