BREAKING: Maui Police Investigate Body Found on Kahekili Hwy

Police investigation, Kahekili Highway near Puuohala Road. Photo 8/17/12 by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzjucCqcGjE /] By Wendy Osher

*** An UPDATE with information on the identity of the victim and search for a suspect is now posted at the following direct LINK.

(Update: 1:39 p.m.)

The Kahekili Highway was reopened as of 10:30 a.m. We will post further details from the police investigation as they become available.

(Update: 6:42 a.m.; Posted: 6:05 a.m.)

Maui police are investigating the discovery of a body found on the Kahekili Highway this morning, authorities said.

Crews from Medic 1 and the Maui Fire Department’s Engine 1 were dispatched to the Kahekili Highway just north of Puuohala Road for reports of a female that was apparently hit by a passing motorist, authorities said.

Upon arrival, at 5:56 a.m., paramedics found the female laying on the makai shoulder of the highway, said Ryan Joslin, spokesperson for the Maui County Paramedics Association.

Resuscitation attempts were not initiated, as there were obvious signs of death, officials said.

Authorities have not identified the victim.

Maui police have closed Kahekili Highway from Puuohala Road to Kamaile to conduct an investigation.

MPD investigation into dead body found on the Kahekili Highway near Happy Valley. Photo 8/17/12 by Rodney Yap.

MPD investigation into dead body found on the Kahekili Highway near Happy Valley. Photo 8/17/12 by Rodney Yap.

Police investigation, Kahekili Highway near Puuohala Road. Photo 8/17/12 by Wendy Osher.

Police investigation, Kahekili Highway near Puuohala Road. Photo 8/17/12 by Wendy Osher.

Police investigation, Kahekili Highway near Puuohala Road. Photo 8/17/12 by Wendy Osher.

Police investigation, Kahekili Highway near Puuohala Road. Photo 8/17/12 by Wendy Osher.