Media release | Hawaii County Police Department

59-year-old Kona man has died after being found in waters with the Honokohau harbor

Big Island police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old Kailia-Kona man who was found in waters within the Honokohau Harbor. The deceased has been identified as Franklin Lewis Smith.

On Saturday (April 2) around 6:50 a.m., Kona patrol officers who responded learned that Mr. Smith’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 the shore where HFD rescue personnel determined that there were no signs of life and he was unable to be resucitated. He was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr. Smith was found to have apparent injuries to his head and leg. Officers located personal property on the cliff banks within the harbor that may belong to him.

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 extension 238.