Kīhei Man Dies in Ocean Incident Off of Sugar Beach

By Maui Now Staff

A Maui man died on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, in a miscellaneous ocean incident off of Sugar Beach in Kīhei.

Maui police have since identified the man as Darin Kobatake, 50, of Kīhei.

According to police reports, first responders were called to the area at around 6 p.m. for reports of an unresponsive male victim.

An investigation revealed that Kobatake was paddling a one-man canoe, while a bystander was ahead of him on a stand up paddle board. Police say the bystander heard yelling from behind and observed the victim in the water and the canoe flipped over.

According to police reports, the victim was already unconscious before the bystander was able to reach him. Police say the bystander began Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, then called for assistance.

The Coast Guard was able to locate both individuals approximately a mile off shore and transported them to the Māʻalaea Harbor. Despite lifesaving efforts, police say the victim died at the scene.

Cause of death is pending autopsy results.