A man who drowned in waters off the Halona Blow Hole yesterday was identified as Melvin I. Nakai of Kalihi.

Nakai, 56, was spotted floating about 300 yards off the Blow Hole at about 2 p.m. Lifeguards recovered Nakai and brought him to shore, where emergency personnel performed CPR.

Nakai was taken to a hospital where he died. The city medical examiner's office said the cause of death was asphyxiation due to an accidental drowning.