Hawai’i Island Police are asking for the public to provide any information they may have in the July 2021 death of 76-year-old Pahoa resident Michael Rosenbaum.
The investigation is ongoing into the Jul. 31, 2021 discovery of the body of Michael Rosenbaum at the MacKenzie State Recreation Area, Puna, beneath the sea cliffs. The Hawai’I Island Police news release indicated that a gunshot wound was cited as his cause of death by the medical examiner. It was also revealed that a missing person alert had been issued for Rosenbaum on Jul. 24, 2021, two days after he was last seen alive.
Michael Rosenbaum was identified by police on Aug. 4, 2021, approximately five days following his body's discovery, according to Big Island Now's report. A fisherman reporting a body on the rocks led to his discovery and subsequent retrieval by Hwai’I Fire Department personnel who rappelled 15 feet down the cliffs. Following this, he was transported to Hilo Medical Center.
According to a press release from Nov. 14, police are treating this case as second-degree murder and are seeking any information regarding it from members of the public. Information can be given through various channels including the non-emergency number (808-935-3311), directly contacting Detective Jeremy Kubojiri of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section via phone (808-961-2378) or email (jeremy.kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov), or calling Crime Stoppers at (808-961-8300). There is an award of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
MacKenzie State Recreation Area, where Rosenbaum’s body was discovered, is known among individuals interested in fishing and sightseeing and remains open during daylight hours every day. The Hawai'I Division of State Parks describes it as a "low cliffed, wild volcanic coastline with picnicking in an ironwood grove, with good shore fishing." It is noted that motorized vehicles, pets, alcoholic beverages, and camping are prohibited within the area, which spans approximately 13.1 acres.