25-year-old man dies after possible parasailing fall

A 25-year-old man died yesterday following an apparent parasailing accident in Maunalua Bay in Hawaii Kai.

The man was a crew member of the 35-foot power vessel operated by Sea Breeze Water Sports, said Coast Guard Lt. John Titchen.

The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation and interviewed witnesses and passengers of the vessel, trying to piece together the circumstances.

Ocean safety officers were called at about 2:30 p.m. to investigate a report of a missing parasailor, Emergency Services Department spokesman Bryan Cheplic said.

The officers launched their rescue craft from Maunalua Bay and found the man submerged in about 20 to 30 feet of water, Cheplic said.

The man was put on a rescue sled, and lifeguards began cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts and brought him to shore, Cheplic said.

Cheplic said the man possibly fell out of the harness, but said he did not want to speculate.

Honolulu Fire Department rescue personnel assisted in the CPR efforts onshore until an ambulance crew arrived. The victim was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead, Cheplic said.

Ocean conditions were described as moderate.

Police sobriety checkpoints will go up in May and June

The Honolulu Police Department will set up sobriety checkpoints during the Mother's Day and Memorial Day weekends.

Police will also set up impaired-driver checkpoints during June, which is graduation and wedding season.

The checkpoints will be set up at unannounced times and places from tomorrow to June 30.

Of the 20 Oahu traffic collisions as of April 20, 11 were alcohol- and/or speed-related, police said.