Big Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation following the discovery of a body at Kailua Pier on Friday.
At approximately 1:16 p.m. on Friday, Hawaii Police Department Kona Patrol and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officers responded to a call at the Kailua Pier of a man in need of medical attention. Upon arrival, Hawaii Fire Department personnel transported the man to Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The investigation is being classified as a coroner’s inquest. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Area II Criminal Investigation Division Capt. Thomas Shopay said police are working to substantiate various tips that have come in to the department on the case, including rumors circling on social media that the victim was murdered.
The victim’s name is not being released at this time pending positive identification and contact with next of kin.
Anyone who may have information regarding the incident should call Detective Ray Fukada at (808) 326-4646, ext. 281, via email at ray.fukada@hawaiicounty.gov or call the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311.