11-28-23 Police Investigating Possible Drowning in Kona

Hawai’i Police Department
Kona Patrol
Sergeant Thomas Chun-Ming
Phone: (808) 326-4646
Report No. 23-111990

Media Release

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a possible drowning involving a 68-year old woman from Colorado that occurred on Monday evening, November 27, 2023, off the shore of Makako Bay in Kailua-Kona. Police have identified the victim as Martha Kurica of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

On Monday, November 27, 2023, at 7:05 p.m., Kona Patrol Officers along with Hawai’i Fire Department personnel, responded to the Honokohau Boat Harbor in Kailua Kona, on a report of a possible drowning. 

Through investigation, it was learned that Kurica was participating in a guided snorkeling tour in the area of Makako Bay when she was observed to be in distress. An employee of the snorkeling tour retrieved a flotation device to assist Kurica and discovered that she was unresponsive. Kurica was brought aboard the vessel used to transport patrons of the tour, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was initiated.

The victim was transported to the Honokohau Boat Harbor and medical treatment was continued by Medics with the Hawai’i Fire Department. Kurica was taken to the Kona Community Hospital for additional treatment.  Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and Kurica was pronounced deceased on November 27, 2023, at 8:12 p.m.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death. No foul play is suspected.

Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Officer Dylan Chaves at 808-935-3311 or by e-mail at Dylan.Chaves@HawaiiCounty.Gov .


This entry was posted in Media Releases. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.
  • Keep your community safe through Crime Stoppers

    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

    The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.