Human remains found last year on the Big Island have been identified as that of a 74-year-old Puna woman who was reported missing last year, Hawai'i County police said.

Elizabeth Christensen of the Fern Forest subdivision was last seen walking near the Fern Forest Community Association building on May 15, 2006. She was said to be possibly suffering from a mental disorder, police said.

On July 27, 2006, a Fern Forest resident who lives near Christensen's home reported to police that his dog found a human skull. No other remains were found. Forensic analysts at the University of North Texas identified the remains as that of Christensen.

Police said there were no signs of foul play but that an investigation would remain open. Anyone with information may call Detective Richard Sherlock at 961-2379 or CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.

FLAGS LOWERED FOR MALAPIT

State and county buildings will fly their flags at half-staff today from sunrise to sunset to honor former Kaua'i Mayor Eduardo E. Malapit.

Services will be today at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Koloa. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with services to follow. A private committal service will follow the Mass.

Malapit, the first mayor of Filipino ancestry in the United States, died Aug. 27.

He was mayor for four terms from 1974 to 1982. He also was a two-term member of the Kaua'i County Council.

"Mayor Malapit will be remembered for his contributions to the community and his commitment to improving the quality of life on Kaua'i," Gov. Linda Lingle said.

MEETING TODAY ON PIG HUNTING

An informational meeting on the ongoing feral pig hunting program in Manoa, Tantalus and Makiki is set for 10 a.m. today at Manoa Elementary School.

Lawmakers and representatives from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources will be at the meeting, giving residents an update on the project, taking questions and hearing concerns.

The number of complaints about feral pigs appears to have dropped since the state started the hunting program last fall.

But some residents say the program has also spurred an increase in illegal hunting and trespassing.

FUGITIVE FROM MAINLAND CAUGHT

The U.S. Marshals Service in Honolulu has arrested a 20-year-old Washington state man wanted in connection with a robbery and beating in his home state.

Filipo Fonoti, 20, was arrested in Wai'anae Thursday by members of the Hawai'i Fugitive Task Force.

Officials say Fonoti was involved along with three other gang members in the 2005 beating in Tacoma, Wash., but he fled the state before he could be arrested.

WOMAN CHARGED AFTER DRUG BUST

Big Island authorities have charged a 56-year-old Hilo woman with drug possession and trafficking following a search Thursday at a home on Kaumana Drive in Hilo.

Erica G. Perreira was arrested at the home, where officers found 6.2 grams of crustal methamphetamine, 48 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, they said. Perreira posted bail of $11,100.