Opihi-picker drowns in Onomea

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

A 43-year-old Papaikou man apparently drowned Saturday while picking opihi in Onomea.

A 43-year-old Papaikou man apparently drowned Saturday while picking opihi in Onomea.

Four Fire Department units, including a county helicopter, answered a 1:39 p.m. alarm; the first unit arrived on scene eight minutes later.

According to a written Fire Department release, the man’s body was found floating about 200 yards offshore in Onomea Bay. The body was recovered by helicopter.

Police have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The victim’s name was withheld pending notification of relatives.