Hawai‘i Island police rule out foul play in drowning of Kea‘au woman

Hawai‘i Island police detectives have conclusively ruled out foul play in the death of 29-year-old Kala’iokealaula Ashley Nicole Reyes Kanekoa of Kea‘au.

On Feb. 18, Kanekoa had reportedly fallen off the sea cliff, into the ocean and later drowned. Her body was recovered the following morning.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives interviewed Kanekoa’s boyfriend who reported the incident and was present at the scene, as well as numerous witnesses and residents in the area where this incident occurred.

They also reviewed residential video surveillance from a nearby home that depicts the scene. The surveillance video clearly shows no indication of foul play when Kanekoa went over the sea cliff into the ocean.

An autopsy was performed on Feb. 20 and the forensic pathologist ruled that Kanekoa died as a result of an accidental drowning, with no indication of foul play; however, the final autopsy report is pending standard toxicology testing.

Anyone who may have information relative to this investigation is asked to call Detective Paul Mangus of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at 808-961-2383 or email paul.mangus@hawaiicounty.gov or the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.