Police probe possible missing diver off Keaau
Hawaii Island police are investigating a possible missing diver last seen in waters near the cliffs at the end of Beach Road in Hawaiian Paradise Park in Kea‘au.
On Monday afternoon, police and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to Beach Road off Maku‘u Drive for a report of a man that was last seen approximately 300 yards offshore sometime after 1 p.m. Witnesses reported the man had a light-colored buoy with a red rope attached. Witnesses later lost sight of the man.
Witnesses described the diver as “local,” possibly in his 40s, with short dark-colored hair, dark-colored shorts, with a tattoo on his back. He was reportedly wearing a mask, fins, and had a fish bag.
A fire department helicopter conducted an aerial search of the water and coastline, however, the crew aboard was unable to locate anyone. A buoy was recovered from the water, and witnesses stated it appeared to be the one they saw with the diver.
Police did not locate any vehicle in the area that may belong to the man.
Anyone who may have information about this case should call the department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2375 or email at Kimo.Keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov.
