Hawai‘i Island police discover body of man in grassy area at Old Kona Airport Park

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating the unattended death of a man whose body was discovered on July 13 at Old Kona Airport Beach Park in Kailua-Kona.

At approximately 7:15 a.m., Kona patrol officers responded to a report of an unresponsive man in a grassy area on the southwestern side of the park, located in the 75-5500 block of Kuakini Highway.

When officers arrived on scene, they determined the man had been dead for some time. Because of the condition of the body, officers were unable to make a visual identification, according to a news release from police Wednesday.

With help from Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation employees and individuals familiar with the area, investigators have made a tentative identification. However, the victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

At this time, there are no signs of foul play. The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled by the Kona Patrol Division. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Kona Patrol Sgt. Joel Furuto at joel.furuto@hawaiipolice.gov or the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.