Popular Hawaii beach closed after shark bites off teen-ager's foot

<br>LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) _ A 17-year-old body boarder lost his left foot and ankle in a shark attack, prompting authorities to close two miles of a popular beach. <br><br>Hoku Aki was attacked Monday while

Tuesday, March 26th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) _ A 17-year-old body boarder lost his left foot and ankle in a shark attack, prompting authorities to close two miles of a popular beach.

Hoku Aki was attacked Monday while he was body boarding in murky water about 150 yards off Brennecke Beach. Witnesses said the youth was pulled underwater by the shark.

Aki, who was able to free himself, was helped to shore by onlookers.

``He said he was being thrashed around underwater,'' Kauai Fire Capt. Mike Layosa said. ``He fought back and was able to grab the eye, and the shark released him.''

A witness wrapped a towel around Aki's leg and applied pressure to stop the bleeding, Layosa said. Firefighters arrived and applied a tourniquet until paramedics took over.

The teen's condition was upgraded from serious to stable Monday afternoon. Authorities could not immediately determine the type of shark that attacked the teen-ager.

The boy's father, Harmon Aki, said his son was slowly remembering what happened. ``It was quite an ordeal for him, but he's recovering and he's doing quite well,'' he said.

The attack occurred in Kauai's Poipu resort area, a popular spot for snorkeling and body surfing. It ordinarily has underwater visibility of up to 100 feet.

Fire officials closed the south shore beaches within one mile of either direction of Brennecke Beach, including Poipu, and said the beach would remain closed until conditions improve.

Kauai was in the midst of a heavy rain storm Monday, which created the murky water conditions _ the most dangerous for shark attacks.

Also Monday, a shark bit an 11-year-old girl from Illinois as she waded in knee-deep water at Cocoa Beach, Fla. Tori Lawrence was listed in fair condition early Tuesday.