Death May be Result of Illegal Fireworks
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Authorities are investigating the death of a 20-year-old man who died following a fireworks incident on July 4 in Kailua-Kona. According to police, Kona patrol officers and the Hawaii Fire Department responded to a report of an incident, possibly related to illegal fireworks, in a retail parking lot on the island.
They found a man, identified as Glen John Nakata, 20, of Kailua-Kona, on the ground with a substantial head injury. Bystanders reported seeing Nakata holding a fireworks launcher above his head when the fireworks went off, throwing him to the ground.
Nakata was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries. Police have initiated a coroner's inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Melani Cline at 808-326-4646, ext. 253.