Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of 43-year-old Paul Kaaukai of Papaikou, whose body was found floating Saturday off the North Hilo coast. Police identified Kaaukai as the victim in a release on Monday.
Kaaukai’s body was sighted 200 yards offshore at Onomea Bay at about 1:30 p.m., said Capt. Duane Kunimoto of Hilo’s Central Fire Station. The department’s Chopper 1 was used to bring the body to shore. The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, when he was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m.
The identity of the victim, who reportedly had been picking opihi, was not immediately released. The autopsy to determine the exact cause of death will take place tomorrow.
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