Maui Shark Attack Victim: ‘looking forward to getting back in the ocean.’ (Update)

On Friday, November 1st, a Maui surfer was in the water at Sand Piles, part of Waiehu Beach Park on the north central side of the island, when he was attacked by a shark. As we previously reported, the victim was 61-year-old Kenji Nonaka, and he lost a portion of his leg in the attack.

Related: Maui Surfer Loses Leg In Shark Attack

“He had gotten himself onshore by his own power,” said Maui Fire Assistant Chief, Jeffrey Giessa. “He was alert. What I can confirm is that the patient’s right leg was bitten off below the knee. I am unsure if his surfboard was also damaged. Something bit him, wrenched his leg off, and was on its way. He could not give any information as to the type of shark or the size.”

Now, a few days following the attack, there are some updates on Nonaka’s condition. Loved ones have set up a GoFundMe to support Nonaka in his recovery, and they have reported:

“He is out of the ICU and in the PCU, fully alert and full of joy for all the love and well wishes from the Maui ‘ohana and beyond. Kenji and Tomoko are so grateful for all the support, and he’s been talking story all afternoon about his love for the ocean and Waiehu surf.

“This accident hasn’t lessened his stoke one bit, but he still has a long journey of healing ahead of him so please continue to spread the word and a huge thank you to those who have donated. Kenji is staying positive and strong for his recovery, and in his own wise words, he says “’tomorrow mo’ betta!’”

At the time of publish, the GoFundMe has raised over $60,000 of its $100,000 goal.

Per KITV, a close acquaintance of Nonaka, Renee Wilcox, who goes surfing with the victim nearly every morning, had this to say about her friend:

“When I talked with him in the hospital, he was looking forward to getting back in the ocean. He just talked about how much he absolutely loves the ocean and how he might want to try boogie boarding for a little bit at first.

“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. He is a really hard-working man and he takes such good care of himself. He's so healthy and so positive and friendly. It is hard to see something like that happen to somebody that amazing of a person.”

Reports now are saying that Nonaka’s condition has been elevated from “critical” to “serious.”

Previously, per an investigation from National Geographic, as we reported, sharks (particularly the notoriously aggressive Tiger Sharks) congregate on Maui during the wintertime.

“The data revealed something astonishing,” the narrator says. “Tiger sharks across Hawaii stick to their home islands most of the year. Then, during the winter, they converge on Maui. The scientific community was baffled.”

Why?

Mating.

So, as the winter months approach, could the attack on Nonaka be a forebearer of what’s to come? Hopefully not. But for Maui surfers, keep an eye out; couldn’t hurt.

Related: Most Hawaii Shark Attacks Happen on Maui; Here’s Why (Video)