Hawai’i Island police are investigating the discovery of a badly burned body found on Banyan Drive in Hilo yesterday. Hawai‘i Island Fire Department responded to a report of a large banyan tree on fire across from Reed’s Bay Beach Park. Upon extinguishing the blaze, HFD discovered charred human remains at the base of the tree. The victim’s remains were transported to Hilo Medical Center and officially pronounced dead.
The identity of the victim, believed to be an adult female, is pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. Due to the condition of the body, identification will be done by means of dental or DNA comparison. South Hilo patrol officers canvassed the area and interviewed a number of beachgoers; however, no one reported hearing any type of disturbance prior to witnessing the enflamed banyan tree. The cause of the fire is unknown, and it remains undetermined if foul play is involved in the death. An autopsy has been scheduled for later this week. Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to contact the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2255, or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.