Hunters discovered a body Saturday afternoon on a remote trail in the Kahauale‘a Natural Area Reserve in Volcano, according to police.
Hunters discovered a body Saturday afternoon on a remote trail in the Kahauale‘a Natural Area Reserve in Volcano, according to police.
At approximately 5 p.m., two hunters reported to police that they had discovered a badly decomposed body on the trail several miles in from Captains Drive in Fern Forest.
Police detectives were contacted to assist with the investigation, which is currently classified as a coroner’s inquest. Due to the dangerous and remote location of the remains, and the approaching darkness, detectives and HFD Rescue personnel responded to the scene early Sunday morning.
The Hawaii Fire Department assisted with flying police detectives, DLNR, and rescue personnel into the remote location, and airlifting the body out. The victim was then transported to the Hilo Medical Center.
An autopsy has been scheduled for early this week to determine the cause of death. Identification of the victim will be done by dental or DNA comparison.
Detectives are reviewing missing person cases.
Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call the police department’s nonemergency number at 935-3311, or Detective Wendall Carter of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2383 or email wendall.carter@hawaiicounty.gov.
