In the first six months of 2024, state officials counted 45 fatal crashes on Hawaii Island’s roads, including a head-on collision in North Kona.
Hawaii Island police have launched an investigation into the negligent homicide that killed a 21-year-old Kailua-Kona man on Friday.
According to preliminary statistics from the state Department of Transportation, there were 45 traffic deaths statewide between Jan. 1 and June 30, compared to about 46 during the same period in 2023.
Hawaii County has had a particularly dangerous year on the roads, with 19 fatal crashes so far, about double the 10 during the same period last year.
In the Kona crash, a 40-year-old Hilo woman driving a Subaru Forester crossed the double solid yellow lines in an attempt to get to the other side of the road. She struck an Acura sedan driven by Alvin Godfrey Castro III, head-on, and the 21-year-old was taken to the hospital and later died.
The Hawaii Police Department’s Traffic Services Division reviewed all updated crashes, according to a news release, and found 498 serious crashes so far this year, compared to 429 the same time period last year, a 16 percent increase. Some crashes resulted in multiple deaths, police said.
The highest number is usually on the most populous island of Oahu, which came in second with a total of 14 traffic deaths. Honolulu County has had an unusually low number of fatalities involving motor vehicle occupants, with just one so far.
According to DOT, a man who died in a lone car crash in March is not counted because he died more than 30 days after the collision.
However, Honolulu has recorded five pedestrian deaths so far this year, five motorcyclist/moped deaths and three bicyclist deaths on Oahu. The pedestrians ranged in age from 37 to 88.
One of the motorcyclists was a minor who crashed on June 4 on the Kalania Naole Highway near the intersection of Ulupii Street in Kailua. Police say he was speeding when he hit a speed bump, lost control and was thrown into a guardrail.
He was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
The fatalities include a Honolulu cyclist who was riding in a bike path on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki and collided with the rear passenger door of a parked car.
He was taken to hospital in serious condition, where he later died.
The Hawaii Bicycling League expressed concern, saying that based on the description of events, Honolulu police indicated the driver carelessly stopped in a spot not intended for dropping off a passenger.
Honolulu police say they are still investigating the fatal collision that killed two bicyclists at Ewa Beach. No additional information is being released at this time.
On March 24, a driver lost control of his car and struck two bicyclists, later identified as Naomi Mayer, 62, and James Rowland, 75, of Ewa Beach, while they were crossing Fort Weaver Road in a crosswalk.
The two were walking toward a pedestrian island on a crosswalk when they were struck. Mayer was pronounced dead at the scene, while Rowland was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there have been three cyclist fatalities so far this year, equal to the number recorded this time last year.
However, the number of pedestrian fatalities across the state has risen to 15, three more than the same period last year. Four were homeless, DOT said.
Maui police said Monday that officers with help from the public arrested Stacia Hoopii Sardella, 30, of Wailuku, on suspicion of hit-and-run resulting in death or serious injury.
Jesus Mettao, 57, was reportedly lying in the roadway when the driver of a red sedan ran him over in an early morning crash on Lono Avenue in Kahului on May 27. The driver failed to stop to render aid.
Mettao, who often stayed in the Kahului area, died at the scene.
Sardella has been released pending the MPD investigation.
Honolulu, Maui and Hawaii police plan to continue roadblocks and patrols against drunk driving this summer.
Honolulu Police will be setting up checkpoints for drunk drivers at unknown times and locations across Oahu through August 31, including the Fourth of July holiday.
According to police on the island of Hawaii, July 4 always sees an increase in accidents involving drunk driving.
“Hawaii police will be out in force on July 4th to ensure our roads remain safe,” said Torey Keltner, Traffic Services Program Manager. “Please do your part and drive safely so everyone gets home alive.”
Traffic-related deaths in Hawaii from January 1 to June 30, 2024 – State: 16 motor vehicle occupants; 15 pedestrians; 11 motorcycle/moped operators; 3 bicyclists – Hawaii County: 12 motor vehicle occupants; 4 pedestrians; 3 motorcyclists – Honolulu County: 1 motor vehicle occupant; 5 pedestrians; 5 motorcycle/moped operators -; 3 bicyclists – Maui County: 1 motor vehicle occupant, 4 pedestrians; 3 motorcyclists – Kauai County: 2 motor vehicle occupants; 2 pedestrians —Including an e-bike Source: Hawaii Department of Transportation Fourth of July Celebrate today’s holiday safely with these tips—Plan a safe route home before you start celebrating.—Designate a sober driver before drinking and give him or her your keys before you leave.—If you’ve been drinking, take a taxi, have a sober friend or family member drive you home safely.—If you see a drunk driver on the road, call the police to report it or call 911. You could save a life.—If you’re hosting a get-together, have plenty of nonalcoholic beverages available to support designated drivers.—Don’t let friends or family members drive while intoxicated: If you know someone who’s about to drive while intoxicated, be a true friend and take away his or her keys. Help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.—Fasten your seatbelt: Always wear your seatbelt. It’s your best defense against accidents.
Source: Maui, Hawaii Police Department
