A baby girl was left on the beach and was found crying in the sand in Hawaii right after she was born, but mercifully, she was saved by another woman.
The full-term, eight-pound newborn was "abandoned immediately after birth," state Department of Human Services Director Patricia McManaman said.
A woman parked at Sandy Beach in East Honolulu sometime between 11-12 p.m. Sunday heard several people screaming, police said.
Then the screaming stopped and the woman heard a baby crying.
She walked toward the ocean and saw an infant girl on the sand.
The woman took the baby to a hospital, where she is doing well.
Police are investigating the case as endangering the welfare of a minor and child abandonment. No suspects have been named at this time.
The baby, who was found naked, was doing well and drinking formula. "We're just very grateful this child is alive and doing well," said a hospital spokeswoman.
If no one comes forward to claim the newborn, the Department of Human Services will file a petition this week with family court, asking for custody.
A hearing will be held Monday. If no family is identified, the state will ask the court for permission to release a photo of the infant to the public.
In 2007, Hawaii became the 48th state with a baby safe haven law.
The law provides immunity from prosecution for leaving an unharmed newborn within 72 hours of birth at a hospital or with police, fire or emergency personnel.
No one has taken advantage of the law since it was enacted.