HILO – A homicide investigation is underway following a tragic shooting that occurred in Hilo early Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025.
At approximately 5:00 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to reports of a man shot in the 1600 block of Maunakai Street. Upon arrival, officers and personnel from the Hawai‘i Fire Department found the victim lying on the roadway in front of a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso.
Despite paramedics’ efforts to perform lifesaving measures, the man was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center at 9:39 a.m. The investigation has been classified as a second-degree murder, and the Area I Criminal Investigation Section is actively pursuing leads. Police are currently withholding the victim’s identity while awaiting positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the precise cause of death.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been in the Maunakai Street area around the time of the shooting or who has information about the incident to reach out. Detective Amy Omaya with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section can be contacted at (808) 961-2381 or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.
For those wishing to provide tips anonymously, the Crime Stoppers hotline can be reached at (808) 961-8300. Informants may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. The Crime Stoppers program is operated by community volunteers dedicated to enhancing public safety, ensuring all tips remain confidential and untraceable.