Editor’s note: updated post on the crash here.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (2/24/10)

A 17-year-old Waikoloa girl died from injuries she sustained Tuesday, Feb. 23 in a two-vehicle crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway at the 88 mile-marker in North Kona and just south of the Hualalai Resort.

The victim was identified as Angela Apostadiro of a Waikoloa address.

Responding to a 8:07 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined a 21-year-old Kealakekua man was operating a 2005 Hyundai multi-purpose vehicle and traveling south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when he overtook a vehicle, continued south on the northbound shoulder and passed other vehicles traveling northbound while on the shoulder lane.

The Hyundai then collided with a taxi, a 2000 GMC van traveling north and being operated by a 50-year-old Waikoloa woman.

Both drivers and an 88-year-old woman visiting from France, who may have been a fare in the taxi, were transported by Fire Rescue personnel to the Kona Community Hospital.

The 17-year-old girl was a front seat passenger in the taxi and was the daughter of the driver. She was pronounced dead at 12:05 a.m. (Feb. 24).

Everyone involved was not wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the taxi and the 88-year-old woman were listed in serious condition. The 88-year-old woman was flown to The Queen’s Medical Center for further treatment.

Police believe that speed and alcohol contributed to this crash.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers arrested the driver of the Hyundai for negligent homicide, negligent injury, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, and reckless driving.

He was being held in the Kona Police Station cellblock pending further investigation.

Queen Kaahumanu Highway was closed for several hours and traffic rerouted as traffic investigators and crime lab specialists documented the scene.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this crash or who has any information about it to call Officer Joshua Lewis at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the seventh traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with four at this time last year.

MEDIA RELEASE

Fire/rescue crews responded to an 8 p.m. alarm to a fatal two vehicle crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway near the 88 mile marker Tuesday (Feb 23).

A late model minivan and late model midsize SUV crashed together causing extensive damage to the front end and passenger sides of both vehicles resulting in a debris field approximately 150 yards long.

A 17 year-old girl died in the crash. Three other crash victims were transported to Kona Community Hospital: a 50 year-old woman an 87 year-old woman and 21 year-old male. The conditions of the three patients were not released.

The highway was closed shortly after the accident with detours at Waikoloa Road and Kaiminani Drive. Hawaii County Civil Defense reported the highway open at 4:45 a.m. Wednesday (Feb 24).

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (2/9/10 4:31 p.m.)

Police traffic investigators have identified a 53-year-old Kealakekua man who died Monday (February 8) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Route 180 .1 mile north of Hualālai Road in Kailua-Kona.

The victim was identified as Mark D. Bilan, of a Kealakekua address.

This was the 6th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with four [corrected] at this time last year.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (2/9/10 8:26 a.m.)

A 53-year-old Kealakekua man died Monday (February 8) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Route 180 .1 mile north of Hualālai Road in Kailua-Kona.

Responding to a 4:37 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1988 BMW motorcycle and traveling south on Route 180, when he overtook another vehicle in a no passing zone, lost control and ran off the right side of the road, striking a tree.

The victim was not wearing a helmet.

The victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:10 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were involved but speed was a factor in this crash.

The name of the victim was being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the 6th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with five at this time last year.

MEDIA RELEASE (2/8/10)

Fire/rescue crews responded for a 4:38 p.m. alarm Monday (Feb. 8) to Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 180) approximately 50 yards north of the Hualalai Road intersection in Holualoa for a motorcycle crash.

Upon arrival crews found a 54-year-old male with multiple injuries including a significant head injury. The rider was 20 feet down an embankment in a coffee field after apparently losing control of his motorcycle while heading south on Mamalahoa Highway.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash is unknown.

By Baron Sekiya, Hawaii 24/7

Vehicle crashes caused the temporary closure of a two of Big Island roadways Wednesday (Nov 18).

A fatal morning crash occurred 300 feet west the 52 mile marker near the Waimea Country Club. A 22 year-old woman identified as Keshia A. Fernandez, of a Honokaa address, was involved in a two car crash.

Police reported that Fernandez was operating a 1998 Honda four-door sedan travelling west on Highway 19 when she lost control, crossed the centerline and collided with a 2002 Ford multi-purpose vehicle traveling east.

Fernandez was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:22 a.m. Fernandez was wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the Ford, a 34-year-old woman from Kamuela, three boys ages 14, 4 and 2, and a 13-year-old girl were also taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital with minor injuries.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Traffic was re-routed through Ahualoa with police re-opening the roadway at 11:05 a.m.

This is the 21st ttraffic fatality on Big Island this year compared with 24 at this time last year.

One of the vehicles involved in a multiple vehicle crash fronting Hilo High School.

In Hilo about 1:45 pm. a multiple vehicle crash occurred fronting Hilo High School on Waianuenue Avenue. The makai bound lane was closed to vehicle traffic for about 20 minutes as fire/rescue crews, police and tow trucks cleared the area.

The makai bound lane of Waianuenue Avenue is closed as emergency vehicle tend to a multiple vehicle crash fronting Hilo High School.

MEDIA RELEASE

A 27-year-old Kona man died early Sunday (November 1) in a crash involving three vehicles and a moped.

Kona patrol officers responded to a 1:56 a.m. call and determined that a 2007 Honda moped was traveling south on Ali’i Drive just north of Royal Poinsettia.

A 2006 Honda sports-utility vehicle was traveling north in the southbound lane when it struck a green Ford 2003 pickup truck as the Ford swerved into the oncoming lane in an attempt to avoid the collision. The Honda SUV then crashed head-on into the moped and dragged it and its operator 20 yards before crashing head-on with a 1994 Mazda pickup truck.

The moped operator, identified as Michael Jauss of Kailua-Kona, died at the scene. He was officially pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital at 5:45 a.m.

All four occupants of the Ford pickup escaped injury.

The driver of the Honda SUV, 24-year-old Shanelle Castaneda Acantilado of Kailua-Kona, was not injured. She was arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide, driving under the influence and driving without insurance.

The driver of the Mazda pickup truck, 26-year-old Anthony B. Smith of Kailua-Kona, suffered minor injuries. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was treated and released and then arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide, driving under the influence, promoting a detrimental drug, driving without insurance and false safety certificate.

Castaneda Acantilado and Smith were released without charges pending further investigation.

Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the crash call Officer Thomas Koyanagi at 326-4646, extension 229, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

This was the 20th fatality this year.

MEDIA RELEASE

A man who died September 6 from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and Makala Boulevard has been positively identified as 49-year-old Michael Davison of California.

Responding to an 8:48 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that a 36-year-old Lahaina man was operating a 1999 Dodge pick-up truck that was towing a trailer with three canoes and traveling north on the highway when the trailer got dislodged from the truck, crossed the median and struck a 2009 Ford Escape multi-purpose vehicle traveling south.

During the collision between the trailer and the Ford Escape, one of the canoes crashed through the windshield of vehicle, striking Davison. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he died at 9:45 a.m

See related post: Five die on isle roads in 32 hours

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (8/19/09)

Traffic investigators have identified a 58-year-old Pāhoa man who died Thursday (August 13) at the Queens Medical Center after being involved in a one-vehicle crash on Route 132 in the Puna District in the area of the 7-mile marker on August 5.

The victim was identified as Charles A. Robinson, of a Pāhoa address. An autopsy conducted by the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office showed that Robinson died due to a previous medical condition and not from injuries sustained in the crash.

The traffic fatality count was reduced to 13.

MEDIA RELEASE (8/14/09)

A 58-year-old Pāhoa man died Thursday (August 13) at The Queens Medical Center from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Route 132 in the Puna District in the area of the 7-mile marker on August 5.

Responding to a 3:10 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that a 39-year-old Kea’au woman was operating a 1999 Saturn 2-door sedan and traveling south on Route 132 when she ran off the roadway into some bushes.

Fire Rescue personnel took both the driver and her passenger to Hilo Medical Center.

The passenger was later flown to The Queens Medical Center in Honolulu in critical condition. He died at 12:02 a.m. on August 13.

The driver of the vehicle was treated and released for her injuries.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification.

It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were involved.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Clarence Davies at 961-8118.

This is the 14th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 14 at this time last year.

Photography by Jock Goodman

A cable company crew arrives on scene of a car crash which brought down a utility pole. This pole was being supported by a cable attached to the severed support pole across the street. When that pole snapped, this pole fell over. Photography by Jock Goodman/Special to Hawaii 24/7

By Baron Sekiya with contributing report by Jock Goodman/Hawaii247.org

At about 6:30 a.m. Sunday (Aug 16) a car traveling west on Kawaihae Road crashed into a support pole on the north side of the road near Mile Marker 60 near the new Hawaiian Homelands subdivision. The support pole anchored a utility pole across the road which then toppled over. The female driver did not appear to be seriously injured and was taken to a hospital for observation.

Police closed Kawaihae Road to traffic in both directions due to a the downed utility pole. Traffic was diverted through around the scene so crews could power down the lines and repair the poles. At 8:19 a.m. Civil Defense announced that the road had reopened to traffic.

The vehicle involved in the accident is towed away. Photography by Jock Goodman/Special to Hawaii 24/7

The support pole which was struck with a county worker inspecting. Photography by Jock Goodman/Special to Hawaii 24/7

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MEDIA RELEASE

A 67-year-old Hilo man died Monday (August 10) after being involved in a two-vehicle crash on Kamehameha Avenue between Kalanikoa Street and Kanoelehua Avenue.

The victim was identified as John N. Mahoe Sr. of Hilo.

Responding to a 9:28 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1987 Nissan pick-up truck and traveling east on Kamehameha Avenue when the truck climbed the sidewalk, came back onto the roadway and struck a vehicle stopped in traffic. The Nissan then climbed the sidewalk again and struck several posts fronting the Jackson Volvo car dealership.

Fire Rescue personnel took the victim to Hilo Medical Center, where he died at 12:05 p.m.

Police believe that the victim may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the crash.

The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police will wait for autopsy results before counting this death toward the traffic fatality count.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating the driver of a pickup truck who was seen in the vicinity of an auto crash in Puna in late January.

Police and fire rescue units responded to a one-car crash at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 130 on January 29 around 7 a.m. Police determined that the car lost control and struck a light pole near the intersection after driving over what appeared to be oil on the roadway.

Witnesses observed the driver of a pickup truck stop past the intersection and then abruptly leave the scene.

The truck was described as a white 4-wheel-drive single-cab pickup with a red sticker on the driver’s side of the rear window. It may have been a Toyota.

The driver was described as a man in his early 30s, 5-foot-4, with fair skin. He was wearing a jacket and sunglasses.

Police ask that anyone with information about this truck or driver, or anyone who witnessed the crash, call Officer Jenny Lee at 966-5835 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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MEDIA RELEASES

Updated March 24, 2009 at 5:40 p.m.

An autopsy conducted Tuesday (March 24) on 67-year-old Melvin Lumwon of Kailua-Kona determined that he died from a heart attack and not from injuries sustained in a traffic crash.

Lumwon was involved in a one-vehicle crash on Kuakini Highway fronting the old Kona Ranch house Monday night (March 23).

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Posted March 24, 2009 at 8:50 a.m.

A 67-year-old Kailua-Kona man died Monday (March 23) after being involved in a one-vehicle crash on Kuakini Highway fronting the old Kona Ranch House in Kailua-Kona.

The victim was identified as Melvin Lumwon of Kailua-Kona.

Responding to an 8:37 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2005 Nissan Frontier pickup truck and traveling south on Kuakini Highway when he crossed the centerline and collided into the rock wall in front of the old Kona Ranch House.

The victim was transported by Fire Rescue personnel to Kona Community Hospital, where he died at 9:47 p.m.

The victim was wearing a seat belt.

Police believe that the victim may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are going to wait for the results of the autopsy to see if the victim died from a medical condition or from injuries in the crash before counting this death as a traffic fatality.

MEDIA RELEASE

A 19-year-old Hilo man died Friday (March 20) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Kipimana Street, .4 miles west of Highway 11 in Kea‘au.

The victim was identified as Simon E. Cesar of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 5:52 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle and traveling west on Kipimana Drive when he lost control, crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole. 

Witnesses reported seeing the motorcycle going up and down Kipimana Street and the operator doing “wheelies.”

The victim was not wearing a helmet.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:49 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol was involved but speed was definitely a factor in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Michael Molnar at 961-2293.

This is the fifth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with nine at this time last year.

A 49-year-old Puna man died Sunday (March 8) from injuries he sustained in an all-terrain vehicle crash on Road B in the Hawaiian Acres subdivision in the Puna District.

The victim was identified as Robert Teixeira of a Kurtistown address.

Responding to an 8:17 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a Suzuki King Quad ATV and traveling north on Road B when he lost control and overturned. The ATV was found on the victim.

The victim was wearing a helmet.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:50 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were involved.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information on this crash to call Officer Andres Fojas at 961-8889.

Because this crash occurred on a private road, the death is not counted toward the island’s official traffic fatality count.