On November 1, a shark attack occurred at Sand Piles, part of Waiehu Beach Park in Maui, leaving 61-year-old surfer Kenji Nonoka with severe injuries. The incident, which resulted in the loss of a portion of Nonoka’s right leg, has drawn attention and concern from the local community.
Maui Fire Assistant Chief Jeffrey Giessa reported that Nonoka managed to swim ashore independently. “He was alert,” Giessa stated. “What I can confirm is that the patient’s right leg was bitten off below the knee. He could not provide details about the type or size of the shark that attacked him.”
In the days following the attack, updates on Nonoka’s recovery have been encouraging. Friends and family established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with his medical expenses, which has already raised over $60,000 of its $100,000 goal. Loved ones shared that Nonoka is now out of intensive care and has been moved to a progressive care unit, where he remains in good spirits, expressing gratitude for the support he has received from the Maui community.
“He’s been talking all afternoon about his love for the ocean and Waiehu surf,” they noted. “This accident hasn’t lessened his stoke one bit, but he still has a long journey of healing ahead. In his own words, he says, ‘Tomorrow mo’ betta!’”
Renee Wilcox, a close friend and frequent surfing partner of Nonoka, spoke to him in the hospital and reported his eagerness to return to the water. “He mentioned he might try boogie boarding at first,” she said. “It’s scary for all of us because you always think, ‘It’s not going to happen here. It’s not going to happen to us.’ And it did.”
Wilcox emphasized Nonoka’s positive demeanor and commitment to health, describing him as a hardworking and friendly individual. “It is hard to see something like that happen to somebody as amazing as him,” she added.
As of the latest reports, Nonoka’s condition has improved from “critical” to “serious.” The attack has raised questions about shark behavior in Maui, particularly as winter approaches. National Geographic previously highlighted that Tiger Sharks, known for their aggressive nature, tend to gather around the island during the winter months, coinciding with their mating season.
While concerns linger among local surfers, Nonoka’s resilience and optimism shine through as he looks forward to returning to the ocean he loves.
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