Police Investigating Woman Found Dead on Puna Property

Authorities are investigating a homicide after finding a woman dead in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision in the Puna District early this morning.

Hawai‘i Police Department’s Puna patrol officers responded to a report of an active burglary at a residence on Kahakai Boulevard shortly before 5 a.m. According to an HPD press release this morning, it was reported that the residence was being renovated and no one should have been on the premises.

“Responding officers found the residence to have numerous shattered glass windows,” the release stated.

No one was found within the residence. However, officers found a man hiding behind a stone wall bordering the property. He was taken into custody for trespassing.

As officers continued to clear the property, the lifeless body of an adult female was located in the yard behind the residence.

The female victim had numerous blunt force trauma-type injuries about her head and body. She was transported to the Hilo Medical Center and pronounced dead at 10:53 a.m.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and are continuing this investigation, which is classified as a second-degree murder, as well as trespassing and burglary. The exact involvement of the male taken into custody is still under investigation.

The identity of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are asking for anyone with information on this incident or who may have been in 15-300 block of Kahakai Boulevard early Thursday morning to contact Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at 808-961-2386 or email him at John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.

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.