Hawai‘i Island police investigate apparent drowning at beach park

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving an 81-year-old Waimea man that occurred on Friday afternoon at a South Kohala beach park.

At 3:45 p.m., South Kohala patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to Hapuna Beach for a report of a possible drowning. A witness told responding officers that the man was seen motionless in the water just offshore.

A lifeguard responded, pulled the man onto shore, and began life-saving measures until the Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived and continued administering CPR. The victim was transported to the Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:39 p.m.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected at this time. The identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact South Kohala Police Officer Andrew Love Jr. at 808-935-3311 or by e-mail at andrew.love@hawaiicounty.gov.