Body found in lagoon tentatively identified

The Honolulu Medical Examiner has tentatively identified a man whose body was found floating in Keehi Lagoon on Thursday.

The tentative identification follows the release of photos of two tattoos on the victim’s body and other information, but the Medical Examiner’s Office is waiting for more information from relatives before releasing the man’s name.

Honolulu police classified the incident as an unattended death pending the results of the autopsy. Initial examination indicates there is no evidence of foul play.

The body was spotted on the reef on the Ewa side of Kalihi Channel off Sand Island by a kayaker Thursday morning. Firefighters retrieved the body and turned it over to police and the medical examiner at the Keehi Lagoon boat ramp.

Public’s help sought in contacting vessel

The Coast Guard is asking for the public’s help in re-establishing contact with the crew of a California-bound sailing vessel.

No distress or injuries had been reported as of Saturday.

Curtis Collins, the captain and owner of the 44-foot white and blue sailing vessel Siesta, was last reported to be en route to California. The crew was scheduled to be on a 12-hour communications schedule with friends in Honolulu and last checked in at 7 p.m. Friday.

Anybody who has been in contact with the Siesta is urged to contact the Honolulu command center at 842-2600 or on VHF Channel 16.

Lighthouse named in honor of Dan Inouye

U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono were among the officials taking part in the rededication ceremony Saturday for the newly named Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse on Kauai.

Inouye had an important role in the lighthouse’s restoration and was also an energetic advocate for the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, where the lighthouse is perched.

"Dan placed a high priority in preserving pristine lands throughout Hawaii to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy what we oftentimes take for granted," Inouye’s widow, Irene Hirano Inouye, said in a statement.

"Dan and I visited the Kilauea Point Lighthouse a few years ago and were taken by the overwhelming community support for its preservation. It was a beautiful evening, and the success achieved is testament to what is possible when everyone pitches in."

With more than 500,000 visitors annually, Kilauea Point is the most popular refuge in the Pacific and the fourth most visited in the nation. Thanks to the restoration effort, visitors now are able to tour the lighthouse for the first time in many years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.