Police investigate Kona drowning

Police are investigating a possible drowning that occurred at the beach near the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park in Kailua-Kona late Sunday afternoon. The victim, an unidentified Caucasian man, appeared to be in his 30s.

Officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to a report of a swimmer in distress at the beach.

It was reported that three men, including the victim, were near the bathrooms at the beach when the man fell into the water. Due to large waves, he wasn’t able to return ashore.

Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel arrived on the scene, conducted a search and found the victim, who had no signs of life, and took him by boat to Honokohau Harbor.

The man, whose identity hasn’t been released, was then taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police department’s nonemergency number (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.