Hawaii island police have initiated a coroner’s inquest case in connection with a fatal fire Monday night in Kau’s Hawaiian Ocean View Estates . 

In response to a 9:09 p.m. report of a structure fire on Bamboo Lane in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision, The fire was brought under control 45 minutes later. Firefighters were hampered in their efforts because the nearest water source was four miles away at a community water tank and had to be shuttled to the scene.

Kau patrol officers arrived to find firefighters extinguishing a fire that destroyed a small house. After putting out the flames, firefighters found the remains of an unidentified man inside. 

An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday to determine the cause of death and to attempt to identify the deceased. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

Police ask anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Sean Smith at 808-326-4646, extension 262, or ssmith@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.