Heart attack suspected in tourist’s death

A 71-year-old visitor from Japan died Thursday after he apparently suffered a heart attack at Thurston Lava Tube in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, according to the National Park Service.

Acting Chief Ranger John Broward reported that the man was walking up the steepest section of the trail at about 1 p.m., felt fatigued, became short of breath and sat down to rest. Shortly after sitting down, he collapsed, lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

The Park Service said several visiting nurses and a tour operator performed CPR until park rangers arrived with an automated external defibrillator. Hawaii County paramedics arrived and assumed care. A doctor from the Hilo Medical Center pronounced the visitor dead through online medical direction.

The victim’s name is being withheld until his family is notified.

National Guard leaves Pahoa as lava stalls

PAHOA, Hawaii » The Hawaii National Guard stationed in Pahoa since the end of October will be demobilizing as the lava flowing from Kilauea Volcano remains stalled.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Director Darryl Oli­veira said the county has requested withdrawal of troops.

While activity from the lava flow continues at various breakout points, the front of the flow that was heading toward the Pahoa Marketplace has stalled, and merchants are returning to the area. The county also is pulling back personnel guarding Apaa Street, where lava had crossed the road, and near the Pahoa Recycling and Transfer Station, which was used as a public lava viewing site.