Hawaiʻi County Police have identified the 29-year-old woman who died after possibly drowning in Kealakekua Bay as Lillian McDaniel Konttinen of Kailua-Kona.
On November 10, Kona patrol officers learned that a woman was found floating face down in the waters of Kealakekua Bay wearing a mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. Bystanders were able to pull Konttinen out of the water, place her onto a paddle board, and immediately began CPR on her. A nearby boat picked up Konttinen and transported her to land, continuing CPR on her until medics arrived on scene. Hawaiʻi County Fire Department personnel transported Konttinen to the Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the exact cause of death and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Officer Brant Powers at (808) 935-3311 or by e-mail at Brant.Powers@hawaiicounty.gov.