HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help identifying the owner of a green kayak found approximately one mile south of Kealakekua Bay, Big Island, Monday.
Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the kayak is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.
Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 9:22 a.m. from Hawaii Fire Department who recovered the kayak.
"The Coast Guard encourages owners who lose their watercraft to report it to the Coast Guard with a good description so that we can eliminate any unnecessary searches," said Chief Petty Officer Chris Florscher, command duty officer at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center.
Sector Honolulu issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners. There are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.
The Coast Guard offers free "If Found" decals to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft through the Operation Paddle Smart program. The information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel's owner and aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action. Positive identification may also allow the item to be returned to the owner.
The stickers can be obtained for free at local harbormasters, through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, from Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron offices and at select marine retail and supply stores.
No imagery is available. If imagery becomes available, it will be published in an updated press release.