Aloha State News

The unidentified human remains found on a mountain trail in Kaua'i behind Kalepa Village apartments in 2019 have recently been identified as Harry Higashi Jr.

“First of all, I want to express my deepest condolences to Harry’s family,” Bryson Ponce, Kaua'i police assistant chief in charge of the department’s Investigative Services Bureau, told the Garden Island.

Utilizing DNA research and tips from the community, the Kaua'i Police Department identified the remains as Higashi, who was never reported missing, KITV reported. 

“This individual wasn’t connected to a missing-person case, but we haven’t forgotten the individuals who, to this day, remain missing,” Ponce told the Garden Island. “We will continue our efforts to bring closure to the families who are still missing their loved ones. Please remember that you can report an anonymous tip at any time to Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i.”

A group found the remains on June 11, 2019, while cutting firewood from nearby trees. Police have ruled the death as unattended, with no foul play. Higashi is believed to have been affiliated with a former camp near to the location of his remains.

"I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the public for their help. After we asked for the public’s help in identifying the remains, I received many phone calls, as well as a number of anonymous tips that came through our Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips app, that collectively led to our ability to solve this case and bring closure to the family,” Ponce told the Garden Island.

With Higashi's family supplying DNA samples, Kaua'i police identified the body with an identification system made by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in Massachusetts, KITV reported.

”I also want to thank our detectives and our Crime Scene and Laboratory Section for working so diligently on this over the past year," Ponce told the Garden Island. 

Citizen can utilize Crime Stoppers Kaua'i by visiting the website, calling 246-8300, or by downloading the P3 Tips app.