Autopsy expected to shed light on remains
Honolulu homicide detectives continued to investigate the discovery of skeletal remains by hikers in Palolo Valley Monday afternoon.
The bones were found in an isolated section in the back of the valley leading from Waiomao Road.
Detectives said they were awaiting the results of an autopsy by the city Department of the Medical Examiner.
Police learned of the find at about 4:30 p.m. Monday. Police classified the case as an unattended death.
Cause of Kalihi blaze is still unknown
Investigators said they were still looking into the cause of a Kalihi warehouse fire that caused about $7,000 in damage to two businesses Monday night.
The alarm was turned in at 10:06 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 206 Mokauea St. three minutes later and had the blaze under control by 10:45 p.m., said Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.
The fire damaged the interior of VIP Auto and Towing and Red Light Sound recording studio on the mezzanine above the towing service.
Three people who were in the building were not hurt. There is nothing to suggest that the fire was maliciously set, Seelig said.
He said Monday night’s fire was in the same warehouse complex where a fire destroyed three businesses three months ago. However, Seelig said there is nothing at this time to suggest the two fires are connected.
On May 31 a fire broke out at 12:40 a.m. at 156 Mokauea St. and caused about $400,000 damage to the businesses: Koele’s Ono Mochi, Ohana Shells and Hula Supply, and Car Audio Evolution. Three vehicles in back of the building were also damaged. Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of the May fire, which appeared to have started in the rear of the building.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Copper cable thefts on Hawaii island remain a mystery
Hawaii County police said Tuesday they are investigating several thefts of heavy-gauge copper cable from a business in Kau last month.
Someone stole the cable from the old South Point wind farm on South Point Road. The multiweave copper cables were about 40 feet long and 4 to 6 inches in diameter and have a black plastic sheathing. The estimated value of the stolen cable is $50,000.
Police ask that anyone who saw suspicious activity at the wind farm or has information about the thefts call officer Dane Shibuya at 939-2520 or the police nonemergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
Man found in water to undergo autopsy
Hawaii County police have ordered an autopsy on a 26-year-old Hilo man who was found unresponsive in waters off Kapoho last week.
Henry Rongu was reported missing from the Champagne Pond area on Aug. 6. His body was found 150 to 200 yards offshore the following morning. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:25 a.m., police said.
