Police Investigating Following Discovery of Body in Kona

Big Island police are investigating after a body was found near an intersection in West Hawai‘i.

According to a media release from the Hawai‘i Police Department, Kona patrol officers responded shortly before 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, to the intersection of Palani Road and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in Kailua-Kona after receiving a report of a lifeless body near a tree close to the intersection.

Police identified the body as that of a 63-year-old resident of Kailua-Kona; however, his identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The man’s body was transported to Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death, and an autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate. The investigation was classified as a coroner’s inquest.

Anyone who might have information about this case is asked to call the police department’s nonemergency number at 808-935-3311 or contact Detective Ray Fukada with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at 808-326-4646, ext. 281, or via email at Ray.Fukada@hawaiicounty.gov.