Hilo Police: No Foul Play in Tree Deaths

Authorities in Hilo, Hawaii, are investigating after the remains of two women were discovered within the debris of a large banyan tree that fell on Kilauea Avenue on July 12. Police and fire crews found and extracted the remains on July 20, with the process taking several hours due to the tree's size. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene, and autopsies are scheduled to determine the exact cause of death, though foul play is not suspected. The incident led to temporary road closures between Mohouli Street and Pauahi Street as crews conducted search and recovery operations. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances of the event.