The Kauaʻi Police Department announced that human remains were recovered near Kahili Beach on Jan. 31 during the search for 19-year-old Matthew Packard-Asai, who went missing after strong surf swept him off rocks on Jan. 28. Authorities say the remains are believed to be his, but DNA confirmation is still pending and the investigation remains active. Multiple agencies and volunteers took part in coordinated air, land and sea search efforts. Officials have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while identification and inquiries continue.
Human Remains Recovered Off Kahili Beach During Search for 19-Year-Old Fisherman Matthew Packard-Asai
Matthew Packard-AsaiKaua‘i Police Department
Authorities have suspended active search operations after human remains believed to be those of 19-year-old Matthew Packard-Asai were recovered in coastal waters near Kahili Beach on Jan. 31. The Kauaʻi Police Department said formal identification is pending DNA confirmation and the investigation remains open.
Search, Recovery and Agencies Involved
Responders conducted continuous air, land and sea searches near the northern point of Kahili Beach in Kīlauea following the Jan. 28 incident in which Packard-Asai was swept off the rocks while fishing. The multi-agency response included the Kauaʻi Police Department, Kauaʻi Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, American Medical Response, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources, along with volunteers from the local community.
Matthew Packard-AsaiCounty of Kaua'i
What Happened
According to preliminary reports from the Kauaʻi Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, two fishermen were swept into the ocean shortly after 12:15 p.m. local time. One person was rescued and returned to shore with a leg laceration and was treated by American Medical Response. Witnesses reported that Packard-Asai was carried away by powerful surf while fishing on the rocks and was not seen again.
Family, Community Response and Next Steps
Packard-Asai’s hānai father, Kyle Doepke, told Island News that the teen was pulled under by strong currents and that friends who witnessed the event were forced to get out of the water when they were overwhelmed by the surf. Doepke described Matthew as "just such a pure, truly hearted kid" who served as a positive influence for other young people.
First responders are photographed searching the beach for Matthew Packard-Asai.County of Kaua'i/Facebook
"The remains are believed to be those of Packard-Asai; however, positive identification is pending DNA confirmation," the Kauaʻi Police Department said in a statement. "The investigation remains ongoing."
Kauaʻi Chief of Police Kalani Ke asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while officials complete DNA testing and further inquiries. Kauaʻi Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson expressed gratitude to the agencies and volunteers who participated in the search and offered condolences to the family as they navigate this difficult time.
Photos and video released by the County of Kauaʻi showed teams operating from a base camp on the beach, conducting water entries and aerial surveys. Officials continue investigative and recovery procedures consistent with a pending identification and active case status.
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