MEDIA RELEASE

Shayne Yoshi Kalani Kobayashi

Police have identified the set of remains that were found on January 18 off Stainback Highway in Hilo.

Shayne Yoshi Kalani Kobayashi, 38, was identified through dental records.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kobayashi’s death.

Investigators believe foul play is involved and are awaiting additional pathology and toxicology findings to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are also working with an anthropologist from the Joint POW Accounting Command/Central Identification Laboratory from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu to perform additional examinations.

Police ask that anyone with information on this case call Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or email him at tpataray@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.