A 63-year-old Lahaina man was killed yesterday after being pulled into a commercial wood chipper.

The victim was identified by police as Alfredo Sarian, an employee of West Maui Land Co. who was planning to retire this month. The apparent accident occurred at 8:38 a.m. near 809 Olowalu Village Road.

Sarian was operating the wood chipper alone in the area of Olowalu Landing, police said. He was pulled into the machine when he tried to grab for a branch within the chipper. A co-worker turned off the machine after hearing Sarian's screams.

Sarian worked 18 years for Pioneer Mill before joining West Maui Land Co. seven years ago.