Body of Hau'ula man, 53, found floating at beach

By Carrie Ching
Advertiser Staff Writer

The body of a man was found floating face-down at Hau'ula Beach Park yesterday afternoon.

Police would not release the man's name, but family members said he was Milton "Honey Boy" Tanouye, 53, of Hau'ula. Police said Tanouye had a head wound, but said they did not suspect foul play.

"Apparently he slipped on the rocks and hit his head," said Officer John Lambert. The case has been classified as an unattended death, pending the outcome of an autopsy.

But friends and family members who gathered at the scene noted that Tanouye's T-shirt and change purse were missing.

Wallace Tanouye said his brother had heart problems and recently received a pacemaker. But he said he thought it was strange that his brother, who rarely swam, was in the water.

"He never does go swimming. Not since we were small kids," he said.

Wallace Tanouye said his brother was well-known in Hau'ula. "He sells leis here every day. Everybody knows him around here," he said.

The body was discovered at about 2:30 p.m. by an unidentified man who flagged down Terek Fermantez, 29, in his truck. Fermantez, also from Hau'ula, said he recognized Milton Tanouye and called the Fire Department.

Reach Carrie Ching at 525-8054 or cching@honoluluadvertiser.com.