Police Investigating Murder in Hilo

Hawai‘i Island police initiated a homicide investigation following an early morning shooting in Hilo on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, that left a man dead.

Shortly after 5:00 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a residence in the 1600 block of Maunakai Street in Hilo after receiving a report of a man being shot.

Upon arrival, responding officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel located the man, who appeared lifeless, on the roadway fronting the residence with a gunshot wound to the torso. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, however they were unsuccessful.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation, which is classified as second-degree murder.

The adult male victim was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:39 a.m.

Police are withholding the victim’s identity pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone who may have been in the area on Maunakai Street shortly before 5:00 a.m. on February 19, or who may have information about this incident, to contact Detective Amy Omaya with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2381, or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 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.