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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 4:34 p.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Maui drowning victim's family gets $2 million

BY RICK DAYSOG
Advertiser Staff Writer

The family of a California man who drowned at Maui's Pools of 'Ohe'o, commonly known as Seven Sacred Pools, will receive $2 million under a settlement with the federal government.

Kevin Oakley, 41, of Sun Valley, Calif., drowned Aug. 18, 2003 after he rescued his 7-year-old son, who had been swept away by a hidden current.

Oakley's death was the fourth in two years in the vicinity of the popular East Maui tourist destination.

Wayne Kekina, attorney for Oakley's family, said the settlement calls for the National Park Service to monitor stream flows and install life buoys and other safety equipment at the pools.

"As a result of this settlement, it's now a safer place for visitors to go," said Kekina.