Makaha man still missing

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Firefighters will continue searching today for a 41-year-old Makaha man last seen Friday going into the water off Lana'i Lookout.

Fire Department spokesman Capt. Richard Soo said conditions were too windy and choppy yesterday for rescuers to search by boat, but air and land searches were conducted. The search was suspended about 5:50 p.m. and will resume around 8:30 this morning.

The man was last seen about 6:30 a.m. Friday by a motorist on his way to work. The motorist saw him leave his pickup truck and get into the water.

The motorist passed the same spot on his way home from work and noticed the truck was still there but the swimmer was not. He then notified lifeguards at Sandy Beach, who called in the Fire Department.

Saturday afternoon, firefighters walking the coastline found the man's wallet near the spot where he was last seen getting into the water.