Human remains unearthed on lot on Alii Drive

KAILUA-KONA — Some ID found at a site of unearthed skeletal remains has given authorities a lead as to the possible identity.

The bones were discovered shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday when Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a contractor who unearthed what appeared to be human bones on an unimproved lot in the area of 75-6000 Alii Drive. The construction worker ceased operations and detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Division responded to continue the investigation.

A coroner’s inquest has been opened. A coroners inquest is an investigation by a coroner to determine cause of death.

“The coroner is the police chief,” said Maj. Robert Wagner. “The deputy coroner is all the police officers under the chief.”

Police returned to the site Wednesday where detectives recovered more bones, pants or possibly shorts and a baseball cap.

“Also some ID that has given us leads on a possible identity,” Wagner said on the discovery.

The first thing investigators will do, he said, is try and find out who the remains belong to and if foul play was involved.

“Sometimes it’s easy to tell,” Wagner said. “Sometimes it’s really difficult.”

Police ask that anyone who may have information regarding the remains to call Detective Dominic Uyetake at 326-4646 extension 228 or via email at dominic.uyetake@hawaiicounty.gov, or call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 islandwide and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.