Police probe underway after body of gunshot victim found at Puna park

Hawaii Island police detectives have initiated a homicide investigation after the discovery of a body Saturday at MacKenzie State Recreation Area in Puna.

Shortly after 4 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to the MacKenzie State Recreation Area after a fisherman reported locating a body on the rocks near the shore break, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded to the scene to continue the investigation. Hawaii Fire Department personnel assisted in repelling approximately 15 feet down the cliff to retrieve the decomposing remains.

The body was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death. Police believe it had been there for approximately a week.

An autopsy was performed on Tuesday morning, and the forensic pathologist concluded that the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled homicide.

The victim was identified Wednesday evening as 76-year-old Michael Rosenbaum, of Pahoa. Rosenbaum had been reported as a missing person on July 24. He was reportedly last seen alive on Thursday, July 22, in Pahoa town.

Anyone who may have information relative to this investigation should call the department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311, or contact Detective Jeremy Kubojiri of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378 or email jeremy.kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov or Lt. Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2252 or email rio.amon-wilkins@hawaiicounty.gov.