Hawaii County police announced today they have identified the body of a man found in 2003 as that of Hawaii island resident Bradley Elmer Bussewitz.

Police said the latest biometric technology, called New Generation and developed by the FBI, was used to identify Bussewitz through his fingerprints.

A hunter looking for a missing dog discovered the body Nov. 2, 2003, near the 12-mile marker on Saddle Road, now known as the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

Detectives recovered the remains, which were badly decomposed.

An autopsy on the remains determined Bussewitz, who was 47 at the time, died from blunt force trauma. His death was ruled a homicide.

Detectives are continuing to investigate his death and are asking for witnesses or motorists who may have seen Bussewitz hitchiking on Kaumana Drive or the Saddle Road on or about Nov. 2, 2003.

Police said Bussewitz may have been hitchiking. He stood 6 feet 1 inch tall, had a slim build and was wearing a green aloha print shirt and a pair of brown swim trunks with red pockets.

Bussewitz may have lived on Maui prior to living on Hawaii island. He drove an early model Chevy Lumina van and rode a bicycle, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 935-3311 or contact Detective Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or derek.morimoto@hawaiicounty.gov

Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.