MEDIA RELEASE

A Puna man apparently drowned Sunday morning in waters off Kalapana.

The victim was identified as 44-year-old Henry Kaawakoa of Pāhoa.

Puna Patrol Officers responded to a 10:22 a.m. report of a drowning victim on a boat at sea.

According to witnesses, Kaawakoa was diving off the boat when he was seen floating. His companions took him aboard the boat until Fire Department personnel retrieved his body. He was officially pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center at 1:30 p.m.

Police do not suspect foul play. The case has been classified as a coroner’s inquest.