Hawai’i Police Department
Criminal Investigations Section, Area II
Lieutenant Gerald Wike
Phone: 326-4646, Ext. 266
April 2, 2011
Report No. C11008511
Media Release
Big Island police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old Kailua-Kona man who was found in waters within Honokōhau Harbor. The victim has been identified as Franklin Lewis Smith.
On Saturday (April 2) around 6:50 a.m., Kona patrol officers who responded learned that the victim’s body had been found floating face down by paddle boarders approximately 100 yards within the entrance of the harbor. The paddle boarders brought the body to shore, where Fire Department rescue personnel determined that the victim had no sign of life and was unable to be resuscitated. Smith was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead
The victim was found to have apparent injuries to his head and leg. Officers located items of personal property on the cliff banks within the harbor that may belong to Smith.
Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section are continuing this investigation, which is classified as a coroner’s inquest.
Police have not ruled out foul play. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask that anyone with information about this case call Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, Ext. 238.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
