Big Island police investigate possible drowning off Kainaliu Beach

Big Island police are investigating the possible drowning of a 58-year-old O‘ahu man Thursday afternoon off Kainaliu Beach in Kona.

Kona patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded just after 12:30 p.m. Thursday to the beach. Officers were advised that the unidentified man was seen swimming about 50 feet offshore when he began calling for help.

A friend of the victim went and helped him to shore. When they got there, the O‘ahu man was not breathing and unresponsive. CPR was initiated, and a 9-1-1 call was made.

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene and evaluated the unresponsive man. The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A coroner’s inquest investigation was initiated to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected.

The identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Officer Dayne Shibuya Jr. at 808-935-3311.