Drowning victim identified as Kilauea man
The surfer who died Saturday afternoon in high surf at Hanalei Bay has been identified as Richard Proczka, 64, of Kilauea, Kauai County officials said.
Proczka’s death marks the fifth ocean drowning on Kauai so far this year, a county spokeswoman said. A sixth person drowned in fresh water.
Friends noticed that Proczka’s surfboard had drifted to shore at about 5 p.m., but there was no sign of him. They called 911 at 5:43 p.m. after searching for him without success.
Officials said the Fire Department helicopter spotted Proczka 200 yards offshore around 6:30 p.m., and lifeguards on personal watercrafts recovered the body. He was pronounced dead on shore.
"There is a wealth of information available to oceangoers that can alert them to the dangers of the ocean and save lives," Kauai Fire Chief Bob Westerman said.
Westerman emphasized that visitors and locals should use the Kauai Explorer website (www.kauaiexplorer.com) to receive up-to-date information directly from lifeguards.
High-surf advisory expiring in morning
A high-surf advisory in effect for the north and west shores of Kauai, Oahu and Molokai, the north shore of Maui and the Kona and Kohala coasts of Hawaii island was set to expire at 6 a.m. today.
The National Weather Service on Sunday canceled a high-surf warning but extended the advisory into this morning. The northwest swell that brought 18-foot surf to some shores was expected to subside overnight, the agency said.
Salesman draws suspicion
People in North Kona are reporting that a suspicious man has been going door to door offering his services, Hawaii County police said.
Complaints were received in Kona Highlands and Kona Palisades of an unidentified male walking door to door Thursday. When challenged, he was unable to provide proper identification for his alleged business.
The Police Department is reminding the public to be careful when dealing with salespersons and to make sure they are legitimate before doing business with them. In addition to asking for proper ID, the resident should ask for a website or phone number where they can verify that the salesman is really a representative of the company.
The public also has the right to refuse service and request that the person or persons leave their property. Anyone who feels he or she is being harassed is urged to call the police nonemergency number at 935-3311 or, in an emergency, 911.
Repaving work begins at park
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to repave parking areas at Hapuna Beach State Park on Hawaii island.
The three-month project begins today. It will involve remove existing asphalt, repairing road shoulders and installing new asphalt.
The park will remain open, but some areas will be closed for safety reasons.
Work won’t be conducted on weekends.
The park is south of Kawaihae along Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
