Police investigating possible drowning of Pāhoa man

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 31-year-old man from Pāhoa that occurred Sunday offshore in Kailua-Kona.

Kona patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to the 75-5700 block of Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona on a report of a possible drowning on June 9 at 10:54 a.m.

Through investigation, officers were advised that the unidentified male was observed submerged in the ocean approximately 50 to 100 feet from Ali‘i Drive. Witnesses in the area stated that the male had not come up for air for over 10 minutes, and no witness observed any dive equipment with him.

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel removed the unresponsive male from the water. The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

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 male is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Officer Elijah Won at 808-935-3311 or by email at Elijah.won@hawaiicounty.gov.