Big Island police have identified the 71-year-old man who apparently drowned Monday in waters off Old Kohala Mill Road, also known as Old Halaula Lighthouse Road, in North Kohala.
The victim has been identified as Alfredo Orita, according to the Hawaii County Police Department. Police determined Orita was apparently fishing with a throw net along the coastline at the time of the incident, reported at 11:23 a.m.
A 71-year-old woman, identified as Orita’s companion, reported that Orita was using a throw net along the coastline near the lighthouse when she lost sight of him for several minutes, according to police. She then saw him floating face down in the ocean.
A Hawaii County Fire Department helicopter was dispatched and located Orita’s body about 200 yards offshore. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death, according to police.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Officer Dale Ku at 889-6540.