Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 31-year-old man from Pahoa that occurred on Sunday morning, June 9, 2024, off the shore of the 75-5700 block of Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona.

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 10:54 a.m., Kona patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to the 75-5700 block of Ali‘i Drive in Kailua Kona on a report of a possible drowning. 

The 31-year-old victim has been positively identified as Isaiah Ekau of Pahoa.

Through investigation, officers were advised that the unidentified male was observed submerged in the ocean approximately 50-100 feet from Ali‘i Drive. Witnesses in the area stated that the male had not come up for air for over 10 minutes, and no witness observed any dive equipment with him.  

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived on the scene and removed the unresponsive male from the water. The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on June 9, 2024.  

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected at this time.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Officer Elijah Won at (808) 935-3311 or by e-mail at Elijah.won@hawaiicounty.gov.

Isaiah’s family also mentioned that he may have been wearing a gold chain with a cross that he rarely removed and is sentimental to the family if anyone has any information or finds it contact Sheina Alidon on Facebook.

The chain and cross are pictured below.