Police investigate possible drowning of Pāhoa man: Big Island Now

Hawaii Island Police are investigating a possible drowning accident involving a 31-year-old Pāhoa man that occurred off the coast of Kailua-Kona on Sunday.

Kona patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to the 75-5700 block of Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona at 10:54 a.m. on June 9 for a report of a possible drowning.

Through investigation, officers learned that the unidentified man was observed underwater in the ocean approximately 50 to 100 feet from Ali’i Drive. Witnesses on scene stated that the man did not surface for air for over 10 minutes, and none of the witnesses saw him wearing scuba gear.

Hawaii Fire Department personnel pulled the unconscious man from the water. The victim was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The police have initiated a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected at this time. The man’s identity is being kept secret until next of kin have been notified.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Kona Patrolman Elijah Won at 808-935-3311 or via email at [email protected].