Mysterious object prompts beach closing
Kua Bay on Hawaii island was closed Friday afternoon as state officials and a U.S. Navy expert examined a large object initially thought to be unexploded ordinance in the water.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and Division of State Parks closed the beach, located along Kekaha Kai State Park, as a precaution while a Navy explosive ordnance disposal expert and a DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources representative collected photographs of the object.
The object, described as approximately 2 feet in diameter and about 150 pounds, was determined to be a piece of mooring, and the beach was reopened at about 4 p.m.
Death of man in house fire investigated
A coroner’s inquest has been opened to determine the cause of death of a 67-year-old Ocean View man who died following a New Year’s Eve structure fire in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estate’s subdivision.
The fire was first reported at about 9 p.m. on the 9-9100 block of Lehua Lane.
The man’s roommate reported that he arrived home to find the house on fire and the man in a bedroom. The roommate said he was unable to move the victim out of the house.
An autopsy was conducted Friday, but results are undetermined pending toxicology results.
Police do not suspect foul play. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Ferry passenger found floating off Lahaina
WAILUKU » A 41-year-old Maui man who had been aboard a Molokai-to-Maui ferry has died after he was found floating in the water outside Lahaina Harbor.
The Maui News says Ramzey Hoopii of Waihee was last seen as a passenger on the Maui Princess ferry that was returning to Maui. The ferry was waiting at the harbor entrance in rough ocean conditions.
Police say Hoopii was found floating in the harbor Tuesday evening. Police say Hoopii was taken aboard the boat, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started. Responders at the harbor continued lifesaving efforts before Hoopii was pronounced dead.
An autopsy was planned.
