Remains found off Ke Iki Beach identified as missing teen

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Police Department Forensic officials have confirmed the remains found off Ke Iki Beach matched the DNA profile of missing teen Joseph Fujioka.

Get Hawaii’s latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Fujioka was last seen Friday, Jan. 17, just after 9 p.m. when he left his home to pick up 17-year-old Samantha Chun from her home in Mililani.

The two went to Ke Iki Beach where they walked out onto the sand and laid a blanket out and started a fire.

Search for missing teens on Oahu’s North Shore suspended

When the teens did not return home that night or the next morning their families and officials began an intense search.

On Jan. 18 at about 2 p.m. Honolulu Fire Department divers reportedly recovered possible human remains about 200 yards offshore from Ke Iki Beach.

Remains found at Oahu beach ʻnot of human originʻ: ME

On Jan. 21, the Medical Examiner’s Office announced they could not establish whether the remains were of human or animal origin and further testing was to be conducted.

HPD Scientific Investigation Section Forensic Biology Unit announced the next day they completed the analysis and were able to confirm the tissue analysis was human.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The unit alerted the family at around 8 p.m. on Jan. 23 that Joseph Fujioka was the confirmed DNA match of the tissue sample recovered.

Samantha Chun’s family issued the following statement:

Our family continues to hold out hope that Sammy will be found and brought home safely. We are deeply grateful for the support and prayers from our community during this incredibly difficult time. Sammy is a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, and we ask everyone to remain vigilant and share any information that could help bring her back to us.

At the same time, we grieve deeply for Joey’s family and the unimaginable loss they are enduring. Our hearts are with them, and we share in their pain during this tragic time.

We trust in the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the kindness of those around us. Please continue to keep Sammy, Joey and our families in your thoughts and hearts.

The Chun Family

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.