Hawaiʻi Police Department
South Hilo Patrol
Sergeant Allan Watanabe
Phone: 961-2213
July 6, 2011
Report No. C11017865
Media Release
On Sunday evening (July 10) around 9 p.m., Fire and Police Department personnel were called to the Pepeʻekeo to a report of a possible drowning.
A 43-year-old man was caught by a flash flood and swept down river while fishing for prawns. He has been identified as Ernesto Combes of Nanawale in Puna. Fire Personnel are continuing their search for him.
Police do not suspect foul play. This case is being investigated as a public accident.