Hilo, Hawaii – Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025, in Hilo as 36-year-old Brandon Shane Kalani Castillias, a resident of Hilo.

The tragic incident unfolded shortly after 5:00 a.m. when police received a call from a woman who reported hearing a gunshot outside her home on the 1600 block of Maunakai Street. South Hilo patrol officers swiftly responded to the scene, where they discovered Castillias lying on the roadway with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics, who attempted lifesaving measures, Castillias was pronounced dead at the Hilo Medical Center at 9:39 a.m.

An autopsy conducted on Friday confirmed the manner of death as homicide due to the gunshot wound.

The Area I Criminal Investigation Section has classified the case as second-degree murder. Detectives are actively investigating, having executed search warrants at both the residence and a vehicle found in the driveway. However, as of now, no suspects or motives have been identified in connection with the shooting.

Police are appealing to the public for assistance. They urge anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Maunakai Street around the time of the shooting or who possesses any relevant information to reach out to Detective Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2381, or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiicounty.gov. For those wishing to remain anonymous, they can contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a confidential program run by community volunteers dedicated to enhancing public safety.

As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.