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Hilo Drowning 12/29/99

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL DIVISION
LIEUTENANT CHADWICK K. FUKUI
PHONE: 961-2311
DECEMBER 29, 1999
G-15727/HL

MEDIA RELEASE

A 64-year-old man died Wednesday (December 29, 1999) after he apparently drowned in waters off Puhi Bay in Hilo’s Keaukaha area.

The victim was identified as Charles Oyama of Honolulu, who was visiting in Hilo.

Responding to an 8:48 p.m. call, Hilo police officers determined that Oyama was skin-diving with several companions off Puhi Bay when he apparently went unconscious and had to be helped to shore by one of his companions, who then attempted first aid until fire rescue personnel arrived.

Oyama was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m.

Police have classified the case as a public accident and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Pending the results of the autopsy, the investigation is continuing.

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