State nearly pau fixing damage caused by Iselle

HILO » Crews are wrapping up work to repair damage done in August by Tropical Storm Iselle at parks on Hawaii island.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Monday the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has worked for months to reopen parks closed after Iselle toppled trees and caused other damage.

The storm left the Puna region with downed trees and power failures.

State parks that were closed because of storm damage include Lava Tree State Monument and MacKenzie State Recreation Area.

Department spokeswoman Debo­rah Ward said Lava Tree reopened late last month following a partial opening in December.

Officials say MacKenzie Falls is expected to reopen soon.

District Park Superintendent Dean Take­ba­ya­shi said that altogether the department has spent just under $400,000 on tree clearing and repairs.

Michigan man ID’d as victim pulled from sea

Hawaii island police said Monday a man who apparently drowned in the sea off Keala­ke­kua on Jan. 30 has been identified as 72-year-old Anthony Lafata of Warren, Mich.

Bystanders were attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Lafata on Jan. 30 when police and fire officials arrived responding to a report of a drowning at 12:11 p.m., police said.

Police said the cause of death has been deferred pending additional forensic testing.

Police said the case has been classified as a "coroner’s inquest" and that no foul play is suspected.