Police Release Identity of Big Island Murder Victim

The Hawaiʻi County Police Department has released the identity of a Big Island murder victim.

HPD Detectives on Wednesday identified 76-year-old Michael Rosenbaum, of Pāhoa, as the individual whose body was discovered at the MacKenzie State Recreation Area in Puna on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

The victim was reported missing a week before on Saturday, July 24. He was last seen alive on Thursday, July 22, in Pāhoa town.

The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation, which is classified as a second-degree murder. Authorities initiated the investigation after Puna patrol officers responded to the MacKenzie State Recreation Area following a report from a fisherman who noticed a body on the rocks near the shore break.

Hawai’i Fire Department personnel assisted in repelling approximately 15 feet down a cliff to retrieve the decomposing remains. The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death. Police believe the body had been there for approximately a week.

An autopsy was performed on Tuesday morning, Aug. 3, and the forensic pathologist concluded that the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death was ruled homicide.

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this investigation, or who may have seen Rosenbaum between July 22 and 24, to call the department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

They may also contact Detective Jeremy Kubojiri of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378 or send an email to jeremy.kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov.

Another option is to contact Lieutenant Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2252 or send an email rio.amon-wilkins@hawaiicounty.gov.