MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police have classified a suspected drowning in Ka’Å« as a coroner’s inquest.

At 12:11 p.m. Thursday (April 14), Ka’Å« patrol officers responded to a reported drowning near the Rancho subdivision in Ocean View. Derek Hara, 46, of Pāhala had been diving in an area known as Hosaka Flats with two companions when his companions found him unresponsive.

Fire Department rescue personnel had responded to the scene but were unable to revive him.

Police have ordered a autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.