HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Police Department said they have opened an unattended death investigation on Tuesday, Aug. 19.
They said they were called to the scene after a burned and dismembered body was found in West Oʻahu off Kapolei Parkway.
Discovery in the early morning
Police said they were called to Kapolei Parkway just after 2 a.m. The Honolulu Fire Department said two companies also responded at 1:42 a.m. to a report of smoke near the train tracks close to Kapolei Commons.
Firefighters said they found a small, corrugated structure on fire and that the flames were under control by 2:02 a.m. This is where a body was discovered inside, according to HPD.
The HFD said the body was “burned beyond recognition” and also dismembered. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services officials said they arrived at 2:30 a.m. and confirmed the discovery.
Investigation on scene
Police vehicles, fire crews and investigators filled the area through the morning. The medical examiner and a Memorial Transport of Hawaiʻi van were seen at the site but later left.
A fire investigator was dispatched to look into the cause and origins of the blaze and to assess damage estimates. However, details remain limited.
Police were seen moving in and out of the restricted area. The body was believed to be located down a long dirt road near the Costco gas station in Kapolei, but the public and media were not allowed access.
Witness account
KHON2 spoke to a man riding his bike near the scene. He said that police told him there was an ongoing investigation and officers had flown a drone over the site. This information has not been confirmed by officials.
Developing story
Honolulu police remained in Kapolei throughout the morning, though activity slowed as the investigation continued.
This investigation is currently ongoing, and we will continue to provide details throughout the day.
The discovery of a body in such conditions has left many in the community shaken. Police have not released any further details about the victim.