Hawai‘i Island police investigate apparent drowning of visitor off La‘aloa Beach Park in Kona

Hawai’i Island police are investigating an apparent drowning of a 31-year-old male visitor that occurred Thursday morning off the shore of La‘aloa Beach Park in Kailua-Kona.

At 7:50 a.m., Kona patrol officers responded to a call for a welfare check on the man, after the victim’s father called regarding his concern for the safety and whereabouts of his son.

Officers conducted checks in the area of La’aloa Beach Park and while near the south bay shoreline area they located a man matching the description provided by his father. After contacting the man in an attempt to identify him, the victim jumped into the ocean and swam away from shore.

The Hawai’i Fire Department was contacted for rescue and medical assistance. While fire crews was en-route with their rescue boat, the man continued swimming farther off-shore and was seen to go under the water and not re-surface.

First responders and Ocean Safety Life Guards arrived on scene and searched for the man who was later found unresponsive and lifeless. The identity of the victim is being withheld, pending identification from a family member.

The Area II Criminal Investigations Section is continuing the investigation.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Cacique Melendez at 808-326-4646 or by e-mail at Cacique.melendez@Hawaiicounty.gov.