65-year-old Keaʻau man dies in apparent drowning while picking opihi in Kapoho

Puna patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded at 8:14 a.m. after witnesses reported a man who had fallen into the ocean while picking opihi, and the 65-year-old Keaʻau man was later pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center at 9:28 a.m., Hawai‘i Police Department officials said.

The incident occurred on the makai side of Kalapana‑Kapoho Beach Road, one‑third of a mile Hilo‑side of Opihikao Road in the Kapoho area of the Puna District, according to the HPD news release. Witnesses reported the man “was heard calling for help” before emergency crews arrived.

Rescue personnel found the man in the water “being carried by strong currents, brought him to shore and initiated CPR,” HPD said. Emergency responders transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:28 a.m.

Hawai‘i Police Department has “initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death,” the release states. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, and HPD said “no foul play is suspected at this time.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Puna Patrol Officer Johnathen Figueroa at (808) 935‑3311 or by email at Johnathen.figueroa@hawaiipolice.gov. The HPD non‑emergency number is (808) 935‑3311 and the Hilo police station is located at 349 Kapiʻolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720; call 911 for emergencies.

The man had been picking opihi (intertidal limpets) at the shoreline when he fell into the ocean, a detail noted in HPD's account of the response. Investigators have not released any information about ocean or weather conditions at the time; HPD’s coroner’s inquest will examine the circumstances and determine the official cause of death.

The Hawai‘i Fire Department worked alongside Puna patrol officers on scene during the rescue and CPR efforts, HPD said. Tributes, family statements and further identification will be withheld until next‑of‑kin notification is complete and the coroner’s office releases findings from the inquest.