Full Notification

Hawai’i Police Department
Kona Patrol
Lieutenant Erich Jackson
Phone: (808) 326-4646
Report No. 24-056438

Media Release

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 58-year-old man from O'ahu that occurred on Thursday afternoon, June 20, 2024, off the shore of the 75-5700 block of Kainaliu Beach, Kona.

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 12:34 p.m., Kona patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to Kainaliu Beach on a report of a possible drowning. 

Throughout the investigation, officers were advised that the unidentified male had been observed swimming approximately 50 feet offshore when he began calling for help.  A friend of the unidentified male went to him and assisted him onto shore.  Upon arrival on shore, the male was not breathing and was unresponsive.  CPR was initiated, and a 911 call was made.  

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene and evaluated the unresponsive male. The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on June 20, 2024.  

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 Dayne Shibuya Jr. at (808) 935-3311.