July 1, 2009 – Kapoho, Hawaii – UPDATED
video by David Corrigan

A 64 year old man, identified by police as Hamilton Manley of Kurtistown, apparently drowned in the waters of the Waiopae Tidepools near Kapoho’s Vacationland on Hawaii’s Big Island Wednesday.

Manley was a well known University of Hawaii-Hilo assistant basketball coach. He has also previously served as head coach of the Waiakea High School girl’s team, and coached the Henry Opukahaia School and Pahoa High School teams.

Hawaii County fire officials say they responded to a call at 9:42 in the morning, after a family member reportedly found Manley floating in the water 10 minutes after he went snorkeling.

Manley was pulled from the water with assistance from a bystander, who helped perform CPR.

A helicopter was called in to help lift the victim over the tidepools and lava rock to the parking area some 150 yards away.

Manley was transported to Hilo Medical Center, but did not survive.

Police say they do not suspect foul play. They have classified the case as a coroner’s inquest and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.