Police Arrest Kea‘au Man in Connection with HPP Murder Investigation

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested a 49-year-old Keaʻau man in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday night in the Hawaiian Paradise Park (HPP) subdivision.

On Sept. 19, 2026, at 10:18 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to the 15-1500 block of Makuʻu Drive in Keaʻau, after a man called police and reported that he had been attacked and had shot another man.

Responding officers located an unresponsive man, later identified as 41-year-old Jose Adame Romero of Keaʻau, suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Officers immediately initiated lifesaving measures until Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived and determined that the victim had succumb to his injuries. Romero was pronounced deceased at 10:44 p.m.

Investigation led police to identify the caller as 49-year-old Bryant Scott Guevarra of Keaʻau, who was still at the scene when officers arrived. Guevarra was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of second-degree murder and transported to the East Hawai‘i Detention Facility as detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continue the investigation.

An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the exact cause and manner of Romero’s death.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Michael Matsumura of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2386, or via email at michael.matsumura@hawaiipolice.gov.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.