A homicide investigation is underway on the Big Island after a man was shot and killed in Hilo Saturday night. Police discovered the victim along the Bayfront Highway just before 9 p.m..

Store owners near the Shell Gas Station fronting Bayfront Highway said they heard gunshots.

"We were working inside the shop. Our front door was closed, but we heard some loud explosions because it was only a couple hundred feet away," said William De Rooy with Nautilus Dive Center.

According to initial reports, police found a man who was shot four to five times in the back.

"This morning a local person talked to me and said, 'Yeah, some guy was firing in different directions,'" said De Rooy.

Police shut down a section of Bayfront Highway while they investigated.

"At this point, the victim was positively identified as Faafetai Fiu, 32 years old," said Lt. Greg Esteban with the Big Island Police Department.

Fiu was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Police sent divers into the ocean to search for the suspect's weapon.

"We don't have any substantiative information about the weapon being in this location however we need to exclude that possibillity as well," said Lt. Esteban

Bullet casings were found, but so far police are not releasing what type of weapon used.

Investigators said they want to interview a fishermen who frequented the Bayfront area. It is a popular location for shoreline fishing.

"At this point, we're asking the publics assistance in providing police with information as to the responsible person or people who may have witnessed this," said Lt. Esteban

They are asking motorists to come forward who may have witnessed a confrontation near a silver- or light-colored vehicle that was parked on the makai shoulder of the highway just near the Mo'oheau ballfield.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning to determine the exact cause of death.

Call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 if you have any information on the crime.