HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL DIVISION
LIEUTENANT CHAD FUKUI
PHONE: 961-2311
JULY 21, 1999
MEDIA RELEASE
A Hilo man was injured in a shark attack Wednesday morning (July 21, 1999) while surfing in waters off Honolii Beach near Hilo, causing a temporary shutdown of the popular surfing spot.
The victim, identified as Griffith Yamaguchi, 43, was bitten in the right thigh and buttocks area. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated for his wounds and scheduled to be released.
Police and fire rescue personnel received a call about the shark attack at 10:28 a.m. Witnesses said the shark was 6 to 8 feet in length.
Working with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Civil Defense Agency, police closed the beach to public use, probably until Thursday.
No further details were immediately available.
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