January 25, 2012 3:29:53 PM HST 
Coast Guard, Maui rescue crews search for kayaker 
HONOLULU -- Rescue personnel from the Coast Guard and Maui Fire Department are searching for a 55 year-old kayaker missing near Kalepolepo Beach Park, Maui Wednesday.
The kayaker has grey hair and blue eyes. His kayak was found approximately 200 yards off the beach park and confirmed to be the kayak by a neighbor.
The Coast Guard currently has an MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point, the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska crew, home ported in Hilo, Hawaii and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Maui, all searching for victim.
Maui County Fire Department personnel contacted the Coast Guard's Sector Honolulu Command Center at approximately 12:15 p.m. to request assistance with the search.
The Coast Guard suspended its search for a missing kayaker near Kalepolepo Beach Park, Maui at 6:18 p.m. Thursday.
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary crews covered a total of 272 square miles during the search for 55-year-old. 
“Our decision to suspend the search was not made easily,” said an Operations Specialist at Sector Honolulu. “We took into account the probability of survival, weather, drift and other data. Ultimately the decision to suspend, pending any new information, was made this evening. We offer our thoughts and prayers to friends and family during this difficult time.”
KIHEI                         