UPDATE – The victim of the shark attack has been identified as Jimmy “Ulu Boy” Napeahi, a well known surfer in the Pohoiki community. Friends who have gone to visit Ulu Boy in the hospital report that he is in good spirits.

Respected waterman Keith “Bradda Skibs” Nehls reports on his Facebook page:

Keith Nehls

“Mahalo for the prayers…we just got back from seeing Ulu Boy – his spirit good. Before I left I told Ulu no worry, this will only make you stronger and he said that’s right Uncle going only make me stronger. Amen – the shark tried his best but thank God for protecting Ulu. Thank you to Dallas, Nohea, Junior, Bradda Wendell and all the people who gave their love and kokua– mahalo for the prayers mahalo ke akua God Bless”

POHOIKI, Hawaii – A 16 year old surfer was bitten in the legs by a shark at Puna’s Pohoiki beach park on Sunday.

The Hawaii County Fire Department says they arrived on the scene just before 2 p.m. and found the young male being treated by a life guard at the scene. Fire crews were told he was surfing at “Dead Trees” where he was “attacked from behind by a gray colored shark, about 8 feet long.”

The fire department says the surfer “sustained multiple lacerations and puncture wounds to lower extremities.” He was treated and transported to the Pahoa Fire Station where he was transferred by helicopter to the Hilo Medical Center.

The chopper conducted an aerial survey of the coast by Pohoiki “with negative results.”

Meanwhile, news reports say shark sightings have closed beaches on the other side of Hawaii Island, at the resorts of Hapuna Beach Hotel and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.