Man on Big Island dies following apparent drowning while picking opihi

Hawai‘i Island police is investigating a possible drowning involving a 65-year-old Keaʻau man that occurred Friday morning in the Kapoho area of the Puna District.

At 8:14 a.m., Puna patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to the makai side of Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, one-third of a mile Hilo-side of Opihikao Road, after receiving a report of a person who had fallen into the ocean while picking opihi and was heard calling for help, according to a Hawai‘i Police Department news release.

Witnesses reported hearing a man yelling for help from the water and notified emergency responders.

Rescue personnel located the individual in the water being carried by strong currents, brought him to shore, and initiated CPR. The victim was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:28 a.m.

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

Police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Puna Patrol Officer Johnathen Figueroa at 808-935-3311 or by email at Johnathen.figueroa@hawaiipolice.gov.