Divers describe Higa
as ‘experienced’
and ‘giving’
Sterling Kaya posted a large reprint of a 1999 Hawaii Skin Diver magazine cover at a spearfishing expo yesterday that featured 38-year-old Gene Higa.
"He (Higa) was an experienced diver," said Kaya, owner of Hawaii Skin Diver Magazine and three Hana Pa'a Hawaii stores. "It shouldn't have happened to him."
Kaya and others in the spearfishing community remembered Higa at the Hawaii Skin Diver's Spearfishing Expo held at Ala Moana Hotel yesterday.
Higa, a national spearfishing champion, was found dead Saturday in 80 to 90 feet of water off Police Beach in Haleiwa. He participated in the U.S. National Freedive Championships and failed to return with other divers.
Messages were written to Higa's family expressing condolences. A collection box was also set up at the expo's entry table to assist Higa's wife and son with future expenses.
Many said they were still numb after losing one of their own in the dangerous sport.
"It's something that you don't think will happen to you or your best friend," diver Julie Riffe said.
National spearfishing champion Brandi Easter, of Humboldt County, Calif., said Higa took her on her first free-diving trip on Oahu four years ago. She described Higa as a generous and humble person who exemplified aloha: "He always had a nice smile and was giving."
Kaya said Higa was injured by a kala, a Hawaiian reef fish, when its sharp tail slashed his left arm a week ago. Higa received stitches after he suffered a cut to some of his tendons. He was advised by his doctor not to enter the competition that involved kayaking.
"He wasn't even supposed to go," Kaya said. "He pushed himself beyond his limit. ... He loved the sport."
What caused Higa's death will be determined by the Honolulu Medical Examiner.
A 26-year diving expert who participated in the expo yesterday described three dangerous conditions free divers may face.
Shallow water blackout occurs when a diver experiences a change in ambient pressure about 10 to 15 feet before reaching the surface of the water, Navy Master Rick Bettua said. A diver might experience uncontrollable swallowing, thigh burn and tunnel vision.
Static apnea blackout occurs when the diver's oxygen level is low and a small amount of carbon dioxide is produced. The diver is usually still when static apnea occurs, Bettua said.
Underwater blackout occurs when a diver is near or at the bottom of the ocean and produces a large amount of carbon dioxide as the diver's oxygen level is depleting.
Unfortunately, there are few or no warnings when a diver experiences static apnea or underwater blackouts, he said.
Bettua recommends that free divers dive with a friend. If a diver passes out, the person should be taken to the surface, given two quick rescue breaths and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Bettua said.