Kahaluu man, 63, dies in apparent drowning near Kualoa Point
A 63-year-old Kahaluu man died Saturday after he was found unresponsive in waters off Kualoa Regional Park.
Eldean Kukahiko’s family called firefighters for help Saturday night after he didn’t return from skin diving for tako alone in the bay, said his wife, Darling Kukahiko. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
About 15 firefighters responded to the scene at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday with a rescue boat, a helicopter and two engines and began a shoreline and water search, said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Kendall Ching.
A private watercraft operator found Kukahiko in the water, and firefighters took him to shore while performing CPR. Firefighters transferred Kukahiko to paramedics on land at about 9:05 p.m., but he was pronounced dead at the scene, an Emergency Medical Services report said.
Kukahiko was a cultural educator, senior pastor at Hope Chapel Kahaluu and retired Honolulu police officer. Darling Kukahiko said about 200 people turned up at the park Saturday night after hearing about the apparent drowning.
Kukahiko retired as a sergeant from the Honolulu Police Department after 25 years of service about 20 years ago. He began serving as a pastor at Hope Chapel Kahaluu 22 years ago.
6 responses to “Kahaluu man, 63, dies in apparent drowning near Kualoa Point”
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“Man dies after drowning . . .” — Huh? Did the unfortunate man die TWICE? I ask because the definition of “drowning” is “to die through submersion in and inhalation of water.”
C’mon, S-B editors — this is basic English-language usage. Please set a better example.
rest with god, eldean. peace to your family.
mahalo to all who assisted in the rescue and recovery.
We’ve lost an outstanding, decent, kind, generous, loving human being. Prayers to Eldean’s family. May his legacy live on through his children and grandchildren.
The community has last a tremendous asset. Eldean was a great guy, and will truly be missed by many.
I met this guy a few years ago at the Kahaluu rec center. I never forgot how genuine and caring this guy seemed to be. I can only imagine what a loss he will be to his loved ones and the community.
My deepest ALOHA to his ohana.