Police Investigation of Kona Body Reclassified as Murder

As their investigation continues into the discovery of a body in Kona earlier this week, Hawai‘i Island police have reclassified the investigation as murder based on autopsy results.

Shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, Kona patrol officers responded 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. Police have identified the victim as a 63-year-old resident of Kailua-Kona; however, his identity is still being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

A forensic pathologist conducted an autopsy on Friday, May 20 and determined that the manner of the man’s death was homicide. Detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section are continuing this investigation, which was reclassified to murder in the second degree.

Police ask anyone who may have information about this case to call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311, or Detective Ray Fukada of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at 808-326-4646 ext. 281, or email Ray.Fukada@hawaiicounty.gov.