Missing Kona fisherman and vessel have yet to be found after nearly a week of searching

The coastline from Hawai‘i Paradise Park in Puna to South Kohala has been scoured for the whereabouts of a fisherman who was reported missing eight days ago.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it plans to continue its search for Earl Kekuanaoa Hind, 42, of Kona, until at least today.

The search for Hind and his vessel, “Makalapua Onalani,” began on April 10.

According to previous media reports, Hind and his 21-foot Force with a 2-foot extension, white hull, light blue cabin and powered by twin outboard motors launched on April 7 from a spot in South Point.

He and his boat 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 found parked near the South Point boat ramp area.

During the first three days of the search, Hawai‘i Fire Chief Kazuo Todd said, the department brought out crews to search by land, air and sea. After three days of no results, the department went to a modified response with the helicopter crew making passes over the search area.

The U.S. Coast Guard has taken lead on the operation with the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak still patrolling the waters.

Additionally, a Navy P-8 airplane was deployed Monday afternoon. The search has expanded up to approximately 200 miles offshore west and south of the Big Island.

“There have not been any reports of boat wreckage or boat debris,” Coast Guard officials stated.

Over the weekend, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement assisted in the search.

The division launched its marine unit on April 10 from the Keauhou Boat ramp at first light on April 11. The crew searched the coastline from Keauhou to South Point.

The crew spent approximately 8 hours on the water that day with no results.

The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement were asked by the Coast Guard to assist gain on Saturday, however, because of the distance of the search area, officials said their boats were out of range.

The division did not search on Sunday because of high seas.

The state did not assist on Monday because its Marine Patrol Unit is off on Mondays and Tuesdays.