Hawai‘i Police Department
Criminal Investigation Section – Area I
Lieutenant Rio S. Amon-Wilkins
Phone: (808) 961-2252
Report No.: 22-056987
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating the discovery of a body found Friday morning in Pahoa town.
On Friday morning, July 1, 2022, shortly after 9:00 a.m., Puna Patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to the Hawai‘i County Council Building on Pahoa Village Road for a report of an unresponsive male on the exterior grounds.
Responding police and rescue personnel attempted life-saving measures; however, were unsuccessful. The adult male victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death.
Detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene to continue this investigation, which is currently classified as a coroner’s inquest.
An autopsy has been scheduled for early next week to determine the exact cause of death; however, police do not suspect foul play.
The identity of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
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 John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2386 or email John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.