Boy Scouts of America React to Fatal Accidental Shooting during Troop Activity

Authorities continue to investigate the death of a juvenile after a shooting incident over the weekend at Camp Honokāia near Honoka‘a.

The Boy Scouts of America confirmed the minor killed was a BSA registered youth in the Aloha Council. The reportedly accidental discharge of a firearm occurred while on a Troop activity on Sunday, Aug. 28.

“The Hawai‘i Police Department is conducting a coroner’s inquest and the Aloha Council is fully cooperating,” BSA stated in an email to Big Island Now. “The investigation is ongoing. The BSA will have further comment as the investigation confirms details of this tragedy.”

BSA also extends its sincere condolences to the family of the victim, Troop members and the Aloha Council.

The Hawai‘i Police Department has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. According to HPD, shortly before 2:30 p.m., Hāmākua patrol officers responded to the Camp Honokāia Boy Scout Camp on a report of an unconscious child following a shooting incident.

Responding officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel located the lifeless child near the rifle range. The child appeared to have a single gunshot wound. Because of the extent of his injury, the child was not transported by rescue. He was later transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was officially pronounced dead at 7:55 p.m.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled for today to determine the exact cause of death.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.