Body found in Kalapana

Hawaii Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest case in connection with a body found in Kalapana.

Hawaii Island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest case in connection with a body found in Kalapana.

At approximately 2:55 p.m. Thursday, police received a report from a 34-year-old man, who indicated that he discovered a decomposing body while hiking in a forested area of a lava field at the end of Highway 130 in Kalapana, according to the Hawaii County Police Department.

Puna Patrol officers responded to the area and confirmed the discovery of a body.

The Area I Criminal Investigations Section recovered the remains, which were taken to the morgue at Hilo Medical Center, according to police. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The identity of the victim is unknown at this time, according to police.

Anyone with information about the case should contact Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or tpataray@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.