Kalaoa Information Update for November 11th, 2019
A 35-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a two-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon (November 10th) on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kalaoa, North Kona.
The Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) along with the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) responded to a fatal 2 vehicle accident (Head-On Type) that occurred on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) near the 90-mile marker in Kalaoa, North Kona Sunday afternoon (November 10th).
The initial call came in at 2:10 pm and HFD crews from the Kailua and Keauhou Fire Stations along with American Medical Response (AMR 7) and HPD units from Kona Patrol responded to the scene located 1/4-mile north of the 90-mile marker on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kalaoa.
Police determined that a 25-year-old male from Kamuela was operating a black 2017 Jeep Renegade SUV when he passing a vehicle in a passing zone and struck a northbound gray 2015 Honda Pilot SUV head-on that was being operated by the 35-year-old female. The 35-year-old female was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 8:26 p.m. (November 10th).
The 2015 Honda Pilot SUV that was being operated by the victim also had three minor children as passengers. There were two females that were 15 years old and one female child that was 10 years old. Both 15-year-old children suffered severe injuries and were initially transported to Kona Community Hospital. They were both later transported to the Queens Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment. Both are currently listed in critical condition. The female 10-year-old was treated at the Kona Community Hospital and was later released.
The driver of the Jeep Renegade was injured in the collision and was taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment. The driver was later arrested for Negligent Homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (O.V.U.I.I.), Reckless Driving, three counts of Negligent Injury. He was later released pending further investigation.
Police believe that speed and drugs are factors in the collision.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Kelsey Kobayashi at 326-4646 ext. 229. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.
Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) was closed for over 6 hours while HPD's TEU Officers conducted their investigation into the crash and was reopened to all traffic at 8:25 pm Sunday evening.