A 29-year-old woman who died on Sunday, November 10, 2024, after a possible drowning in Kealakekua Bay has been positively identified as Lillian McDaniel Konttinen of Kailua-Kona.

Responding to the reported possible drowning at 10:24 a.m. on November 10, Kona patrol officers learned that a woman, later identified as Konttinen was found floating face down in the waters of Kealakekua Bay wearing a mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. Bystanders were able to pull her out of the water and place her onto a paddle board, and immediately began CPR on her. A nearby boat picked up Konttinen and transported her to land, continuing CPR on her until medics arrived on scene. Hawaii Fire Department personnel transported Konttinen to the Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.  

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Officer Brant Powers at (808) 935-3311 or by e-mail at Brant.Powers@hawaiicounty.gov.