Brandon Shane Kalani Castillias, a 36-year-old man from Hilo, Hawaii, was tragically killed on the morning of February 19, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m. when South Hilo patrol officers responded to a residence on the 1600 block of Maunakai Street following a report from a woman who had heard a gunshot outside her home. Upon arrival, officers discovered Castillias lying lifeless on the roadway in front of the residence, suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but they were ultimately unsuccessful. Castillias was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:39 a.m.
An autopsy was conducted on February 21, 2025, confirming that the manner of death was homicide due to a gunshot wound to the torso. Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section launched an investigation into the killing, classifying it as second-degree murder. As part of their inquiry, law enforcement officials executed search warrants at the residence and on a vehicle found in the driveway. Despite these efforts, authorities have not yet identified a suspect or determined a motive for the crime.
Police are urging anyone who may have been in the area of Maunakai Street shortly before 5:00 a.m. on the morning of February 19, 2025, or anyone with information regarding the incident, to come forward. Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section is leading the investigation and can be contacted at 961-2381 or via email at [email protected]. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 961-8300, with the possibility of a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Brandon Shane Kalani Castillias, a 36-year-old man of Hawaiian descent, was a warehouseman at Suisan. He is survived by his siblings, Leah Castillias of Pahoa, Charles Castillias Jr. of Hilo, Calvin Castillias Sr. of Massachusetts, and Lyndell Castillias of Massachusetts, along with numerous nieces and nephews. His funeral service is scheduled to take place at Dodo Mortuary Chapel, with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2025, followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. Cremation will follow the ceremony. The community continues to mourn his loss as authorities work to bring justice to his case.
