Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff

Three visitors die at Kaua'i beaches

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Three visitors died in separate incidents at Kaua'i beaches Wednesday and Thursday.

Mark Fairchild, 29, of California, collapsed upon returning to shore after boogie-boarding at Waioli Beach Park on Wednesday. Beachgoers administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation but could not revive him. An autopsy indicated his death was related to a heart problem.

An autopsy found that Jeanne Coots, 60, of South Dakota, drowned during snorkeling activities Wednesday at Tunnels Beach in Ha'ena. Family members reported she said she was tired and returned to shore, where she collapsed.

The next day at Waioli Beach Park, Joseph Weller, 51, of Oregon, lost consciousness after ducking under a wave in waist-deep water while taking a surfing lesson. Beachgoers were unable to revive him. An autopsy indicated he suffered a heart attack.

Former harbor official indicted

KEALAKEKUA, Hawai'i — A former Big Island harbor official was indicted Monday on five charges involving wage theft, and misuse of state interisland flight and car rental coupons.

Jeffrey S. Bearman, 44, of Waikoloa, was the district manager of small-boat harbors when an investigation into his travel and work schedules began earlier this year.

Deputy Attorney General Christopher Young said the alleged offenses occurred between January 1999 and April of this year.

A Kona grand jury indicted Bearman on one count of first-degree theft, three counts of second-degree theft and one count of third-degree theft. Bearman, who resigned July 25, has declined to comment.

He is free on supervised release, with arraignment set for Nov. 21.