Search continues for local fisherman last seen offshore near Miloli‘i

The search continues for a local fisherman who was reported missing late last week from the South Point area in the Ka‘ū District.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a helicopter stationed off the Big Island, with crews taking shifts searching the water by air for the whereabouts of 42-year-old Earl Kekuanaoa Hind. The agency also has boats searching by water.

The search for Hind, a Kona resident, began the afternoon of April 10. It was reported he launched his vessel, “Makalapua Onalani,” a 21-foot Force with a 2-foot extension, white hull, light blue cabin and powered by twin outboard motors, on April 7 from a spot in South Point.

He and his vessel were seen at about noon on April 9 offshore near the Miloliʻi area, heading in a northerly direction.

Hind and his vessel’s current whereabouts are unknown. His truck and boat trailer were parked near the South Point boat ramp area. Coast Guard officials say the search will continue till at least Tuesday.

Along with the Coast Guard, the Hawai‘i Fire Department and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources continue to assist in the search.

Hind is 6 feet tall, weighs 180 pounds, Hawaiian, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information about Hind’s whereabouts is asked to call Hawaiʻi Police Department via its non-emergency number at 808-935-3311. They can also contact Detective Donovan Kohara at 808-960-3118 or via email at Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.

If Hind or his vessel is located at sea, the U.S. Coast Guard requests those with that information to contact U.S. Coast Guard Command Center Lt. Cmdr. Raphael Sandowitz at 808-842-2600.