Hikers discover decomposed body near Paauilo

Hikers discovered a body in a gulch mauka of Paauilo on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

Shortly after 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Hamakua patrol officers responded quickly after area residents reported finding a deceased body while hiking in a remote gulch off of Antone Deluz Road near Paauilo.

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, patrol personnel remained at the scene overnight. Detectives responded at daybreak this morning.

The Hawaii Fire Department personnel assisted with airlifting the body from the gulch. The victim was then transported to the Hilo Medical Center and pronounced dead.

Due to the advanced stage of decomposition, police are not able to determine the person’s gender.

Identification of the victim will be done by means of dental or DNA comparison. Foul play is not suspected at this time.

An autopsy has been scheduled for early next week to determine the cause of death.

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Grant Todd of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2381 or email grant.todd@hawaiicounty.gov.