Discover KITV's "Sea turtle returns to ocean"—a story of rescue & community. Tradition Coffee Roasters shares quality goods and community stories
KAILUA, Hawaii (Island News) -- A young sea turtle returned to the ocean Wednesday after weeks of rehabilitation, drawing a crowd of hundreds to Kalama Beach Park to watch the special release.
The release came after recent storms and brown water advisories across Hawaii, with Wednesday bringing calmer ocean conditions that allowed Trinity to make the return home.
For several moments, all eyes were on the juvenile honu as they made the way into the water with just three flippers.
“I drove up and was not expecting the turnout. I parked up there and came onto the beach and was shocked at how many people came,” said Taylor Prostor, animal care manager with Hawaii Marine Animal Response.
Trinity's journey to the ocean has been anything but easy.
The turtle stranded on the Big Island after becoming deeply entangled in fishing line around the right front flipper. The honu was flown to Oahu on Aug. 3 for evaluation and treatment.
After determining the flipper could not be saved, veterinarians amputated it.
Trinity then spent about a month in rehabilitation with HMAR, where staff say the turtle adapted well to swimming with three flippers.
“During its stay with us, it actually adapted to having three flippers really well. So I think it'll do just fine out there,” Prostor said.
And when the time finally came, Trinity appeared ready to go.
The release also became an unexpected community event, with families, visitors and ocean lovers packing the beach to cheer Trinity on.
“You protect what you love,” said Julia Stanford, a Kapolei resident who came to watch the release. “The fact that there's so many people that love the ocean, turtles, whatever. Like we're gonna have more protection for years to come.”
For visitors Sydney and Easton Kilgore, who were visiting from Southern California, the experience was also a lesson in how everyday actions can affect marine life.
The children learned that fishing line and other debris can seriously injure sea turtles and other animals.
The message from HMAR: clean up after yourself and always properly dispose of fishing line and other fishing gear.
Fishing line entanglements can cause severe injuries and can become fatal for marine animals.
Tiffany Bruno, a Kapolei resident and diver, said she regularly sees the effects of fishing gear on marine life.
“If I could walk away with one thing, barbless hooks would be the way to go,” Bruno said.
She said divers frequently encounter turtles, monk seals and rays affected by hooks and fishing line.
“Every day we dive, I mean, we see turtles every day, and monk seals and eagle rays,” Bruno said. “Like it happens all day, every day.”
Trinity's name also carries special meaning.
The honu was named by Tradition Coffee Roasters, whose owner is a New York City firefighter who responded to the Sept. 11 attacks.
Trinity returned to the ocean just two days before the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11.
Now, HMAR hopes Trinity's story serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of protecting Hawaii's marine life.
What to do if you find an injured marine animal
If you come across an injured, stranded or entangled marine animal, do not approach, touch or attempt to move it.
Call the NOAA Marine Animal Stranding Hotline at 1-888-256-9840. The hotline connects callers with trained responders who can provide instructions and determine what assistance the animal needs.
For sea turtles and other protected marine animals, keeping your distance and contacting trained responders is the safest way to help.
