Kauai
A visitor from San Rafael, Calif., died Wednesday at Waiohai Beach, prompting Ocean Safety officials to warn beachgoers about a strong rip current occurring off Nukumoi Point fronting Poipu Beach.
Kauai County officials said Philip L. Huffman, 66, apparently drowned at about 1:50 p.m. after the current pulled him from Poipu Beach to Waiohai. After being pulled, Huffman tried to swim back to shore in distress.
According to officials, a lifeguard swam out to him and brought him to shore unresponsive. CPR was begun before firefighters and medics arrived, and he was taken to Wilcox Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy is being performed.
“A very strong and hazardous rip current has formed as a result of an eroding tombolo, or sand bar, that exists off Poipu Beach,” Ocean Safety Supervisor Kalani Vierra warned in a news release Thursday.
“Warning signs are posted along the shoreline to alert the public, and Poipu lifeguards are prohibiting swimming in this area until conditions improve,” he said.
Hawaii island
Staff shortage, holiday close pool
The Waimea swimming pool will be closed from Sunday to Tuesday.
The pool will close Sunday due to a staffing shortage, and because the pool is closed on Mondays, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday will be observed Tuesday.
Normal hours of operation at the Waimea pool are Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Call 338-1271 for more information.
