Family members had been concerned about the absence of the two Ni'ihau-born men since Saturday, but there was no indication of what might have happened to them until the pieces of a white Dodge sedan were found on the steep slope on the southern side of the island.

Family members identified Kanahele's nephew as Jason Kawaimanaokalani Kanahele.

The car, rented by Donald Kanahele, left Kaumuali'i Highway and crossed a grassy area to crash through a barbed-wire fence and sail over the side of the 600-foot cliff. Kaua'i Assistant Police Chief Clayton Arinaga said there was no indication the driver tried to brake before going over the cliff.

Donald Kanahele was a skilled craftsman in the rare art of weaving Ni'ihau shell leis. Family members said he invented the poepoe or rope weave for the small red, pink and brown kahelelani shells, and was the acknowledged master at creating the necklaces.

Police believe the accident occurred as the car was traveling toward Hanapepe late Saturday or early Sunday. Police ask anyone with information to call the Kaua'i police dispatch office at (808) 241-1711.