Boy Scout dies in accident

Mayor Mitch Roth extended his condolences to the family of a Boy Scout who died Sunday in what police called a “shooting accident” at a scout camp near Honokaa.

“It was with heavy hearts that we learned of the tragic passing of one of our young Boy Scouts yesterday in Honokaa,” Roth said Monday in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of grieving, as we remain hopeful that they will one day find peace. No family should have to suffer the pain of losing a child, and we hope this incident can help increase firearm safety awareness so that other families will not have to suffer the same tragedy.

“With that, we’d like to ask all of our residents to keep the young man’s family in their thoughts as they face a new journey ahead.”

Police said they have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation following the apparent accidental shooting.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Hamakua patrol officers responded to the Camp Honokaia Boy Scout Camp to a report of an unconscious child who had been shot. Responding officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel located the lifeless child near the rifle range at the camp. He appeared to have a single gunshot wound, police said. Due to the extent of his injury, the child was not transported by rescue. He was later transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where official pronouncement of death was made at 7:55 p.m.

Extensive interviews with all children and adults who were present are ongoing, police said. Police do not suspect foul play in the child’s death.

According to police, the boy’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled for this morning. Police did not return a call Monday seeking additional information. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the police nonemergency number at 935-3311, or Detective Jeremy Kubojiri of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at 961-2378 or email him at Jeremy.Kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.