HMMA Update September 12th

At 0130 a report was made about a seal at the Hale Koa Hotel. The seal could not be identified at the initial sighting. The seal departed before Brittany arrived in the morning. At 0840 Jen checked in with a report of Lei Ola (RH48) east of the Keiki Pool. Jen observed some foraging and then Lei Ola hauled out to rest. At 1340 Carola checked in with a report of Lei Ola sleeping. At 0942 a report came in about a seal hauled out at Koolina. Molly responded and ID'ed Ipo (RI37). Steve checked in at 1133 with a report of Kaiwi (RK96) at the Outrigger Canoe Club. Brittany reported Kaiwi is about 70% molted. At 1400 a report came in about a seal at Kaena Point. The seal could not be identified. At 1445 a report came in about a seal at Sandy Beach. Alex responded, but could not get a positive ID. At 1531 a report came in about a seal hauling out at Hale Koa Hotel. No further word at this time. Carola checked in at 1545 with a report of Holokai (RG40) at Kuilima Cove. At 1650 Gail checked in with a report of Kea (RN46) at Alan Davis.

 Alex checked in via email. She was responding to a report of an unidentified seal hauled out at Sandy Beach. She arrived at about 1530. Alex spoke with the lifeguards and was directed to the far left side of the beach where the lifeguards first noticed the seal around 1400. Alex could not see any visible tags or natural markings. The seal remained belly-down for the next two hours. Alex spoke with some locals who believed the seal was "Right Spot". The seal appeared to be a greenish color due to algae accumulation. Just before she left at 1730, the seal returned to the water.

 Carola arrived at TB Keiki Pool at 1330, Lei Ola was back in her zone snoozing. At 1515 she went into the water to forage for about 20 minutes, then came back out and went back to sleep. TB was very quiet, only one visitor came by the entire time. On my way out I stopped at Kuilima Cove, Holokai (RG40) had just hauled out according to TB staff, rope and signs were up already. There were 2 men who walked into the zone. Many beach goers were upset that the men were in the zone. Carola provided outreach and eventually they apologized. Holokai remained sleeping at 1700.

 Right Spot 

 Kaiwi