Sean Pyka comments

The tragic day of this event I was there.

My family and I went on a snorkeling boat trip with my for our last day in Hawaii. On this day and had the privilege of meeting Mr. Kazuo Takino. The trip was with a large group with people from Korea and Japan as well as the Main land. I had the privilege of playing volleyball with him not knowing his language or his family but for a moment I shared one of his last smiles with him. He was having fun with the kids and other adults including me. He served the volleyball and had a smile from ear to ear. After playing volleyball we all loaded up on the boat and ate lunch and I spoke a little with Mr. Kazuo Takino. We then proceeded onto our snorkeling destination along the way we all viewed turtles from the boat. We anchored off on the reef and unloaded and once again I got to witness Mr. Kazuo Takino smile as he got into the water swimming with his family. We were all snorkeling in a well marked area. I then I proceeded to snorkel with my family. Having son hold onto my arm as we looked at fish in the reef. Moments later it was unknown to me but i soon discovered Mr.Kazuo Takinostill was pulled out of the water. He didn't make it back as the boat captain and his staff tried to administer CPR. This was a great tragedy. The old man from Japan as far as I know passed away with a smile on his face enjoying his last moments. My thoughts and prayers go out to this man and his family.

SPyka