City Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services officials plan to assess the box jellyfish situation this morning before deciding whether to reopen Hanauma Bay, which was closed yesterday at 10:30 a.m. due to numerous reports of people being stung.

More than 15 people were treated for stings within one hour at the popular beach yesterday morning, according to a news release from the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

As of 2:30 p.m. yesterday, three box jellyfish were found at Hanauma Bay.

"Although there haven't been many box jellyfish found at Hanauma Bay this morning, there were a significant number of people being stung," said public information officer Bryan Cheplic of the Emergency Services Department.

"After discussing the situation with the Parks and Recreation Department, the decision was made to close the bay," he said.

The numbers were more significant elsewhere: 586 jellyfish found in the Waikiki-to-Ala Moana area and 111 people treated for stings, all but one in Waikiki.

People stung by jellyfish are advised to flush stings with copious amounts of white vinegar. Those who experience difficulty breathing, muscle cramps or persistent pain should seek immediate medical attention.

Jellyfish tend to swarm on Hawai'i's southern and western shores nine to 10 days after a full moon.