Officials Come Up With Solution to Giant, Whale Carcass

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A decomposing whale carcass floating near Chinaman’s Hat will have its final resting place at an Oahu landfill. 

Towing the whale out to sea is apparently not the best option. Projected wind and current patterns indicate that releasing the whale further out to sea would likely result in it returning to shore, according to a press release issued Friday by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

The 30 to 40 foot whale was about 150 yards offshore earlier today where several sharks were observed feeding on it. People were advised to stay out of the water at Kualoa beach park on Oahu’s windward side.

Coats International is towing the whale to the northeast ramp of Heeia Kea small boat harbor where the carcass will be carted off to a landfill on Saturday morning. 

Boaters and fishermen are being warned to stay out of the harbor and surrounding area due to the possible presence of sharks. 

Let’s hope the disposal goes better than this unfortunate incident, or this one. 

— Sophie Cocke

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