NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

2 fishermen die after falling in sea

Two Big Island fishermen drowned yesterday after a big wave washed them out to sea off the Big Island, authorities said.

Police identified one of the men as Antonio Lagronio, 52, of Keaau, while the second man's identity was withheld last night, pending notification of next of kin. Lagronio's wife, who was at the scene, told police that the men were fishing together when a big wave crashed onto the rock and knocked them down at about 11:45 a.m., police said.

The unidentified fisherman, a 62-year-old Pahoa man, tried to pull his friend out of the water, but was swept out to sea, police said.

Firefighters found both men face down in the water about 250 yards from Kapoho Lighthouse.

Both men were unresponsive as they were taken to Hilo Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.

Big Isle brush fire scorches 16 acres

Big Island firefighters battled a 16-acre wildfire Friday afternoon.

At 11:20 a.m., firefighters were called to pasture land on Kohala Mountain Road for a fast-spreading brush fire that was moving in a southwest direction, fueled by winds and dry brush.

The fire was under control by 4:36 p.m., but fire crews stayed throughout the night to extinguish hot spots. Investigators determined the blaze was started by construction workers welding in the area. There were no injuries.

HONOLULU

Man surrenders in choking of niece

A 43-year-old man turned himself into police yesterday after he allegedly choked his niece on Thanksgiving Day.

Police said the man and his family had gathered in a Kalihi home for Thanksgiving dinner when the man allegedly choked his 28-year-old niece while she was making a plate of food.

The suspect turned himself into police yesterday afternoon. He was arrested on suspicion of felony abuse.

Stabbing threat results in arrest

Police arrested a 52-year-old man after he allegedly threatened to stab a security guard.

The guard was working at a Punahou-area building when the suspect approached him at 1:50 a.m. yesterday. Police said the suspect brandished a knife toward the guard and allegedly threatened to stab and kill him.

The guard called police, who arrested the suspect on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening and possession of a prohibited weapon. The knife was recovered.