HPD Responds to Body Found in Water at Rainbow Falls Over Weekend

Authorities are investigating the discovery of a body found over the weekend in the water at Rainbow Falls State Park in Hilo.

Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo patrol along with Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the park on Saturday, March 26, shortly before 2 p.m. after receiving a report of a body floating face down at the bottom of the falls.

HFD assisted with airlifting the body from the water. The victim was then transported to the Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death.

Police have identified the victim as a 37-year-old resident of Hilo; however, his identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Foul play is not suspected at this time.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 29, to determine the exact cause of death.

Detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene to continue this investigation, which is currently classified as a coroner’s inquest.

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311 or Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2386 or email John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.