Police Identify Man Killed in Waimea ATV Incident

The Hawai’i Police Department says it has identified a man who was found dead under an all-terrain vehicle in Waimea.

In a HPD release issued Tuesday morning, 48-year-old Willard Rapoza Jr. of Kamuela was found unresponsive and trapped under an ATV on a trail located on private property off of Fire Road 15.

Rapoza left his home Sunday between 10 a.m. and Noon and did not return home. He was found Monday at 1:25 p.m., more than 24 hours after leaving.

Rapoza was officially pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The case has been classified as a coroner’s inquest. An autopsy will be done to determine exactly how Rapoza died.

Anyone who may have knowledge of the incident should contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4545, extension 229. Anonymous information can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.