Coroner to look into cause of Maui woman's demise

Officials were trying to determine the cause of death of a Maui woman whose body was found by the side of a road in Kailua-Kona.

Big Island police found no signs of foul play, but have requested a coroner's inquest.

Police discovered the body at 4:23 a.m. yesterday along Manawalea Street after responding to a report of a body next to the road. The body was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where the woman was officially pronounced dead at 7:50 a.m.

She has been identified as 41-year-old Davelin Awaeu of Maui.

Man drops stolen necklace after scuffle with ex-officer

Police are asking for the public's help in finding a man who stole a gold necklace July 30 from a Pearlridge Center jewelry store.

Police said the man walked into the Diamond One Jewelry Store at about 3:40 p.m. and asked a salesclerk whether he could try on a necklace. He placed it around his neck, then fled into the parking lot.

A retired police officer confronted the man, and after a struggle, the man dropped the necklace and fled in a silver four-door Dodge near Kanuku Street, police said.

The man is described as in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 200 pounds, with wavy black hair. He was wearing a dark T-shirt with white birds on the front and blue denim pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cell phone.