Officials identify man missing after swept into ocean in Puna

Hawaii County police identified a man who has been missing since swept off a cliff into rough waters at Kehena Beach in lower Puna Sunday.

Eric T. Dietz, 29, who has no permanent address, was last seen in the waters off Kehena Beach in shortly before 2:40 p.m. Sunday. He apparently was having trouble returning to shore amid rough ocean conditions, police said Tuesday.

A bodyboarder managed to get within reach of Dietz but lost sight of him about 100 yards offshore after the bodyboarder was caught in the rough surf before returning to shore safely. 

Dietz is also known as “Eroz” and “Arrows.” He is described as Caucasian, about 5 feet 11 and 150 pounds with hazel eyes, brown hair and facial hair. He has a multi-colored tattoo on his upper right arm that depicts a bird, a spider and a tortoise shell. 

Police ask that anyone with information on this case to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Joel Field at 961-2381 or jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us. 

The Hawaii County Fire Department resumed the search for Dietz Tuesday morning. The Coast Guard suspended its search Monday night.

The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory for east shores on Sunday because of strong breaking waves and dangerous rip currents.

The advisory remains in effect through Wednesday morning.