Man Dies of Apparent Drowning Off Hanakāpī‘ai Beach

Jeremy Kanoa Hughes, a 43-year-old Hauʿula man, died of an apparent drowning Sunday afternoon after swimming in waters off Hanakāpī‘ai Beach in Hā‘ena.

According to a preliminary report, a call was made to police dispatch around 4:20 pm that indicated that three swimmers were in distress. Kauaʿi Fire Department personnel and lifeguards with the East Roving Unit were notified, along with Air-1 and Zodiac-1, as well as units from the US Coast Guard.

Two of the swimmers had been bystanders and initially jumped in the water to assist Hughes, but they could not reach him. They were able to safely return to shore.

Hughes was located at approximately 6 pm and was found unresponsive. Multiple attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. Hughes was taken to Black Pot Beach Park boat ramp by zodiac and subsequently transported to Wilcox Memorial Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, were contacted to offer support to the man’s family and friends.