A man who died while snorkeling off the Big Island has been identified as a superior court judge from San Juan County, Wash.

Police said 62-year-old John Linde of Friday Harbor, Wash., was snorkeling with a friend Thursday morning when they became separated on the Big Island's South Kohala Coast.

A charter snorkeling boat discovered Linde floating about 75 yards offshore.

SEARCH ON FOR STATE HOSPITAL ESCAPEE

Police continued their search yesterday for a 30-year-old man who escaped from the Hawai'i State Hospital in Käne'ohe.

David True Seal escaped Thursday about 2:30 p.m. He was last seen at the Stairway to Heaven entrance. In 2002, Seal was acquitted by reason of insanity of two counts of first-degree sexual assault and kidnapping on Maui.

Anyone with information on Seal is asked to call 911.

PARENTS PROTEST PRESCHOOL CUTS PLAN

Parents and preschool teachers pleaded for more state money yesterday so that families can continue to afford to send their children to school or day care.

They spoke out at the state Capitol against a plan to cut the amount of state cash given to low-income families for their children's care. But the state says the program would run dry by the end of February unless it reduces the amount of the monthly benefit.

The state wants to start the new subsidy plan Jan. 1, The changes must be approved by the governor.