KILAUEA, Kaua'i — The Coast Guard and county fire rescue personnel yesterday began a search for an 80-year-old fisherman reported missing late Monday.

Robert Nakashima of Kilauea reportedly went fishing alone early Monday morning at Rock Quarry Beach in Kilauea.

Family members and friends became concerned when Nakashima did not return home by late afternoon. They set out to find him and located his pickup truck.

They contacted police, and a police officer and Hanalei firefighters responded to the call. Because darkness was setting in, making it hazardous to search in the area, officials decided to begin searching for Nakashima at first light yesterday.

The Coast Guard started an aerial and water search about 4 a.m. The Kaua'i Fire Department helicopter and rescue specialists from the Lihu'e fire station began searching from the air at first light.

The rescue specialists found Nakashima's fishing bag at Makapili Point near Secret Beach in Kilauea. Search personnel in an inflatable boat scanned the shoreline.

TWO SHARKS CLOSE PA'IA BEACH PARK

Ho'okipa Beach Park in Pa'ia, Maui, was closed at 11:30 a.m. yesterday after a confirmed sighting of two sharks. Officials reopened the beach at 2 p.m.

No injuries were reported. Ocean users were asked to leave the water by lifeguards. It was not known what type of sharks were seen.

30-ACRE BRUSHFIRE EXTINGUISHED

Maui firefighters yesterday extinguished a brushfire that burned 30 acres near the "Jaws" surf spot in Ha'iku.

No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.

The fire was contained to the makai side of Hana Highway. Rain showers moving through the area yesterday morning helped dampen the ground, fire officials said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Fire crews were dispatched to the area Monday after the fire was reported at 5:51 p.m. Two helicopters assisted firefighters from five engine companies with water drops. The helicopters ceased air support at nightfall Monday.