Decomposing body found on vacant lot in Puna

A decomposing body was found on a vacant undeveloped property in Kea‘au on Thursday evening.

The remains, found at the 16-200 block of 36th Avenue at about 7 p.m., are believed to be connected to a missing person investigation involving a 37-year-old Puna woman. The body — found by members of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Division — was in advanced stages of decomposition.

The information leading to the discovery of the remains was obtained during an investigation at a residence located on the 15-2000 block of 15th Avenue, in Kea‘au where a search was executed by police personnel earlier in the day.

Police secured and maintained custody of the scene overnight, and recovered the human remains at about 9:40 a.m., on Friday.

An autopsy was performed Friday afternoon and the forensic pathologist has deferred the cause and manner of death pending additional forensic examination and testing.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending identification and notification of next of kin.

Detectives are continuing this investigation and ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2381, or via email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov or the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.