Body found at the bottom of County pool in East Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi County’s Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium will be closed today after lifeguards discovered a body at the bottom of the pool early this morning.

Hawaiʻi Police Department and Hawaiʻi Fire Department responded to the scene at around 8:30 a.m. When they arrived on scene, officers learned lifeguards pulled the victim from the water. The victim appeared to be a male in his mid-20s.

“It is believed the victim entered the facility sometime while the pool was closed,” HPD stated in a press release this afternoon.

Preliminary observations of the body did not indicate any visible trauma, and police do not suspect foul play. The incident has been classified as a coroner’s inquest. An autopsy will be performed later this week to determine the exact cause of death.

The identity of the victim is pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Police have concluded their investigation at the swimming pool; however, according to County officials, the pool remains closed at this time while appropriate protocols are followed to ensure everyone’s safety. County officials will alert the public when the pool is reopened.

Mayor Mitch Roth recognized the lifeguards for their swift action in ensuring the prompt recovery of the body while maintaining a professional demeanor to ease pool-goer concerns through the recovery and initial investigation process.

“Any loss of life is unfortunate, and we send our condolences to the friends and family of the individual,” Roth said. “We’re confident in our officers’ ability to conduct a thorough investigation and will patiently await their findings.”

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call the department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311, or Detective Casey Cabral of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2384 or email [email protected].

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.