Mystery tarballs; Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii

Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii | 2009-Jun-09

Initial Notification: USCG Sector Honolulu contacted the NOAA SSC to request a hindcast analysis of tarballs reported at two locations in Hawaii on June 9. Tarballs were reported at Makapuu Beach on Oahu at +21° 18' 34.20", -157° 39' 20.40". The time of notification was 1125 HST. The reported extent of coverage was 300 yds X 5 ft of silver dollar size and larger tarballs. The reporting party also stated that the heat from the sun was liquefying the tarballs. Tarballs were also reported at Port Allen on the island of Kauai at +21° 53' 53.58", -159° 35' 16.86". The time of notification was 1200 HST. The reported coverage was 1 yd X 80 ft of tar balls with a silver sheen. USCG Sector Honolulu requested a hindcast analysis and an assessment of the likelihood the two events are related.