KPD seeks help identifying human remains

LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying remains that were found along the mountain trail behind Kalepa Village apartments off Hulei Road in Hanama‘ulu. The case has been classified as an unattended death and no foul play is suspected.

According to a police report, the remains were discovered on June 11, about 25 yards south of the paved mountain trail by a group of individuals who had been cutting trees for firewood in the area.

The remains are believed to be male. The person is estimated to have been about 5 feet, 6 inches tall and around 40 to 65 years old at the time of death.

Upon discovery, the remains were believed to be about one to five years old.

KPD has been conducting extensive research and DNA analysis in an attempt to identify the remains since they were discovered, including referencing missing-persons cases, but to date no conclusive findings have been made.

A pair of black-colored Brahma leather boots (size 7.5), a pair of gray socks, dark blue George pants (34 inches in the waist and 30 inches in length), a black comb, a black wallet, a 7-Eleven stamp card and a copper postal key from Hanalei that is no longer functional, were among the items found with the remains.

It is possible that the individual could have been connected with one of the former campsites that previously existed in a forested area near where the remains were found.

If you have information that could lead to the identification of the remains or know someone who may have been missing for an extended period of time on Kaua‘i, contact KPD Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce at 241-1681. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 246-8300 or visit crimestopperskauai.org.