A Maui man who faced a traumatic encounter with a shark at Waiehu Beach Park has expressed his intent to navigate the waves again despite his grievous injury. Kenji Nonaka, 61, sustained a severe shark bite that resulted in the loss of most of his right leg from the knee down, as reported by
Hoodline
. While surfing at a locale known as “Sandpiles,” Nonaka was attacked by a shark early in the morning, prompting immediate life-saving responses from Maui County Police and Fire personnel.
The emergency services were quick to employ Combat Application Tourniquets to contain the bleeding until further medical help could arrive. This shark encounter has led to the temporary closure and increased security measures at local beaches, including warning signs and drone surveillance of the waters for shark activity. Following the incident, the usually crowded stretch from Paukūkalo to Waihe‘e was declared off-limits to swimmers, as mentioned by
Hoodline
.
Despite the harrowing experience and the rehabilitation journey ahead, Nonaka remains buoyed by positivity and gratitude. “I am so happy, I am so grateful,” he told
CTV News
, reflecting on the unwavering support he has received from the community. A GoFundMe page created for his recovery has amassed over $94,000, demonstrating the local and wider affection for a man whose love for surfing is undiminished by adversity.
Nonaka’s fortitude is mirrored in his determination to return to his beloved sport, joking that he would be back “tomorrow,” but realistically appraising a few months’ recovery was in store before he could rejoin his friends on the surfboard. According to his interview with
Hawaii News Now
, Nonaka bore witness to the crucial help rendered by his friends on the day of the attack, who utilized a surfboard leash to fashion a life-saving tourniquet. The depth of his appreciation is palpable, as he credits their quick thinking for his survival. “That’s why I’m still alive,” Kenji stated. “I’m lucky. I’m so grateful because my friends, they helped me.”
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