HPD Investigates Scuba Diving Death in Kona

Hawai‘i police are investigating a possible medical incident that resulted in the death of a scuba diver in the waters at Wawaloli Beach, commonly referred to as OTEC, on Sunday, July 24. 2022.

Just after 12 p.m., police responded to a report of a diver in distress. The 45-year-old man, later identified as Conrad Haleamau of Kailua-Kona, went unresponsive while in the water and was brought to shore by bystanders who began administering CPR. Haleamau was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 1:10 p.m.

A coroner’s inquest has been initiated and the investigation remains ongoing pending an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.