(BIVN) – Police have discovered the remains of another individual in the Nāʻālehu-area of Kaʻū, and believe the death is related to the effects of Hurricane Lala. If so, it would be the second death attributed to the extreme weather event that hit Hawaiʻi island over the weekend.
Police have not identified the deceased male, said to be in his 60’s. The remains were located in a pasture off Highway 11 near the 63-mile marker.
Police say they were asked to conduct a welfare check for an individual on Monday, August 17, at 3:40 p.m.
“Police immediately initiated search efforts, however were unable to locate him,” a news release detailed. “His remains were discovered in a pasture by area residents on Tuesday, August 18, at 2:50 p.m. and reported to police.”
Police say the death appears to be related to the effects of Hurricane Lala, and foul play is not suspected at this time.
Positive identification of the deceased individual is pending. An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Police say anyone with information that may assist with the investigation is asked to contact Detective Donovan Kohara of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 3238, or by email at donovan.kohara@hawaiipolice.gov.
On Monday, the body of 93-year-old May Doi was found in Nāʻālehu. Police publicly identified Doi on Tuesday, and reported her death appeared to be related to the effects of Hurricane Lala, making her the first victim of the storm.
