Kona man killed in July 4 fireworks incident
Police say a 20-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a fireworks incident on Tuesday evening.
Police and fire responded at 10:27 p.m. to a report of a public accident, possibly illegal fireworks, in a retail parking lot in the 74-5400 block of Kamakaeha Avenue in Kailua-Kona.
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Upon arrival, officers located a young man, later identified as 20-year-old Glen John Nakata, lying on the ground with a substantial head injury.
According to police, bystanders said they saw Nakata holding a fireworks launcher above his head when the firework went off, sending him to the ground.
Nakata was taken by ambulance to the Kona Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:55 p.m.
Police have launched a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Potential witnesses are asked to call Officer Melani Cline at (808) 326-4646, ext. 253.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
