HONOLULU — On day three, life for monk seal mom, Kaiwi, and her pup continue at Kaimana Beach under the vigilant watch of the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement. On Saturday morning, both spent an hour and 40 minutes in the ocean.

“I’m amazed they spent so much time in the ocean, and you could tell once they hauled back up to the beach they were pretty exhausted,” said Emily Greene of Hawaii Marine Animal Response in a news release. Along with a group of spectators, Greene watched as mom and pup frolicked, mostly staying in a secluded area off the beach.

Taking over the first 24-hour watch, officers from DOCARE were already patrolling on land and in the water. At a news briefing on Thursday, DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla said officers will redirect people away from the seals in the water to keep people and seals safe. Anyone who ignores directions could be cited or arrested, though officials don’t expect it to happen.

As seal activity increases, officials strongly encourage people to go to other beaches.

The focus will be on educating the public as Kaiwi and her pup venture further away from the beach as the pup grows stronger. DOCARE officers, City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, and HMAR staff and volunteers will share safe wildlife viewing protocols and safety zones in the ocean and on land with the public.

With Hawaiian monk seals giving birth at Kaimana Beach in four of the past six years, the NOAA, DLNR, HMAR, City and County of Honolulu lifeguards, Ocean Safety Division and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation have refined and expanded their efforts to inform, educate and enforce in order to protect the seals and people.

The entire beach, except for an ocean entrance next to the natatorium, is cordoned off to the public. Frequent Kaimana Beach visitors applauded the expanded efforts along with constant law enforcement presence, saying they are making a big difference.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.