A 21-year-old Pahoa woman died following a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning in Keaau.
A 21-year-old Pahoa woman died following a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning in Keaau.
She was identified as Nicole Kahoopii.
Responding to a 6:38 a.m. call, police determined that a 2008 GMC sports-utility vehicle was traveling Pahoa-bound on Highway 130 at the Shower Drive/Pohaku Drive intersection when it broadsided a 2013 Buick sedan being driven by Kahoopii and turning Keaau-bound from Pohaku Drive.
Kahoopii was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 9:09 a.m.
The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old Pahoa man, was taken to Hilo Medical Center in stable condition for treatment of his injuries. He was later released.
The front-seat passenger of the SUV, a 67-year-old Pahoa woman, was taken to Hilo Medical Center in stable condition for treatment of her injuries.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police do not believe that alcohol, drugs or speed were factors in this crash.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Keith Nacis at 961-8119. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
This is the 31st traffic fatality this year compared with 17 at this time last year.