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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 6, 2006

Van driver dies in golf water hazard

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

KAPOLEI — A 67-year-old woman died last night after her van plunged into a water hazard on the Kapolei Golf Course.

The woman, whose name was not released, died at the scene. Officials made a thorough search in and around the partially submerged van and did not find anyone else, fire department spokes-man Capt. Kenison Tejada said.

The incident occurred about 8 p.m. when golfers at the Kapolei driving range saw a vehicle driving erratically on the golf course. The van apparently entered from the Farrington Highway side of the golf course, police Lt. Dagan Tsuchida said. The highway is "a good 200 yards" from where the van ended up, Tsuchida said.

Golf course officials found the van submerged in the pond next to the first hole and called the fire department. The roof of the van was above water, Tejada said.

Kapolei Fire Capt. Wes Taniyama said firefighters jumped into the water and discovered the woman in the driver's side in the van. Firefighters brought her out of the water, where Emergency Medical Services personnel determined she was dead.

Taniyama said the woman did not appear to have any injuries. Tsuchida said the incident was classified as a motor vehicle fatality pending the outcome of an autopsy.

Tsuchida said it wasn't know why the van ended up on the course or whether the woman suffered from any medical condition.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.